Nestlé: New CEO, current chairman’s position shaky?
Philipp Navratil was appointed by Nestlé Board as the CEO of Nestlé, S.A. effective from September 1, following the dismissal of Laurent Freixe over extra-marital affairs.
Freixe was removed after the board received tipoffs from internal channels and two rounds of internal investigations were conducted to confirm that there has been a breach of conduct.
Navratil joined Nestlé in 2001 and was most recently the CEO of Nestlé Nespresso S.A. - a position that he assumed in July 2024. He also joined the Nestlé Executive Board on January 1 this year.
However, it might not only be a new CEO that Nestlé is getting.
Chairman Paul Bulcke was said to be under fire for his handling of Freixe’s dismissal, and Nestlé’s investors were said to have demanded him to step down immediately.
Bulcke is scheduled to step down as chairman of the board of directors on April 16 next year.
FSSAI: Rajit Punhani takes the helm
Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has a new chief - Shri Rajit Punhani who took office as chief executive officer at the start of this month.
Punhani joins FSSAI from Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, where he served as secretary, overseeing initiatives to align the skilling ecosystem with industry demands and global competitiveness.
Prior to that he was Secretary of Rajya Sabha - the upper house of the Indian Parliament, and CEO of Sansad TV - the parliamentary channel of India.
“His administrative career spans diverse roles such as District Magistrate and Dy Development Commissioner in the aspirational districts of Bihar,” the FSSAI said in a statement.
“He also served as the Principal Secretary in the Government of Bihar, Special Secretary in the Ministry of Home Affairs and as a diplomat and representative to the European Union.
“With his wide-ranging administrative experience and reformist approach, his leadership will be crucial in bridging policy, enforcement and innovation, ensuring India’s food economy grows in a way that is safe, sustainable and inclusive.”
Punhani succeeds Shri G. Kamala Vardana Rao who left FSSAI after an almost three-year stint.
Suntory: No CEO replacement, current president to helm
There will be no replacement for Suntory Holding’s former CEO / representative director Takeshi Niinami following his resignation, while Nobuhiro Torii, president, also the representative director of Suntory Holdings will continue leading the entire Suntory Group, a company spokesperson told NutraIngredients.
Takeshi Niinami resigned as chairman of the board of directors and CEO of Suntory Holdings, amid a police investigation into illegal drug purchases, Suntory Holdings announced on September 2.
The illegal products are said to be supplements allegedly containing tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) - an active ingredient found in cannabis. Investigators believe Niinami had imported these from the United States.
“As the top management of the Suntory Group, it is only natural to comply with laws and regulations, and paying appropriate attention when purchasing supplements is an essential virtue,” Suntory previously said in a statement.
“Therefore, without waiting for the results of the [authorities’] investigation, it was judged that Mr. Niinami’s actions, which lacked awareness regarding supplements, were not suitable for his important position as the company’s representative director and chairman.
“Upon discussion with him, he expressed his desire to resign from his position for personal reasons, and this was accepted as of September 1.”
Known for its alcoholic beverages, coffee, and tea, Suntory is one of the four largest alcoholic beverages firms in Japan. Like its competitors Kirin and Asahi, it also runs a health supplement business. Notable products include its BRAND’s Essence of Chicken, Sesamin Ex. More recently, it has also ventured into the meal replacement space.
Torii, on the other hand, had just been appointed president of Suntory Holdings this March.
