Nestle, the global leader in packaged foods, has unveiled plans to eliminate 16,000 jobs worldwide over the next two years as part of a broader strategy to enhance operational efficiency and drive sales growth. The announcement was made by newly appointed CEO Philipp Navratil during a press briefing on Thursday. Navratil, who previously headed Nespresso, assumed the role following the abrupt departure of his predecessor, Laurent Freixe, in September due to undisclosed personal misconduct. Despite the organizational upheaval, Nestle reported a 1.5% increase in real internal growth (RIG) for the third quarter, significantly surpassing analysts’ expectations of a 0.3% rise. This growth was attributed to strong performance in coffee and confectionery segments, driven by strategic pricing adjustments. The job cuts will include 12,000 white-collar positions and an additional 4,000 roles in manufacturing and supply chain operations. Nestle, which employs approximately 277,000 people globally, has faced mounting investor pressure amid rising costs, increasing debt levels, and a declining share price. The company, known for iconic brands such as KitKat, Nespresso, and Maggi, is striving to revitalize its sales momentum and regain market confidence. The restructuring initiative marks a pivotal moment for Navratil as he seeks to establish his leadership and steer Nestle toward sustainable growth.
