Nestle has extended the remit of Luis Cantarell, head of its health science division, to include the oversight of its nutrition arm.
The move follows the exit of Kurt Schmidt, deputy EVP in charge of Nestle Nutrition, who is leaving the company for "personal reasons" on 1 December.
Cantarell was in charge of Nestle Nutrition's strategic business division between 2001 and 2005, a business the world's largest food group said he was "instrumental" in setting up.
"Luis Cantarell plays an important role in shaping Nestle's nutrition, health and wellness vision, and his strong and proven leadership will be of great value to our nutrition business," Nestle CEO Paul Bulcke said.
Nestle Nutrition includes the company's infant nutrition and weight management businesses. Its health science unit offers products to help people with illness and chronic disease.
Show the press release
Kurt Schmidt leaves Nestlé - Appointment of Luis Cantarell
Kurt Schmidt, Deputy Executive Vice President in charge of Nestlé Nutrition, has decided to leave the company for personal reasons and to pursue opportunities outside Nestlé as of 1 December 2012.
Nestlé's Board of Directors has appointed Luis Cantarell as Head of Nestlé Nutrition. Luis Cantarell will assume this role in addition to his current responsibilities as President and CEO of Nestlé Health Science. Between 2001 and 2005 he was in charge of Nestlé's Nutrition Strategic Business Division, a business he was instrumental in setting up.
Nestlé CEO Paul Bulcke: "We respect Kurt Schmidt's decision, thank him for his valuable contribution during his time at Nestlé and wish him all the best for the future. Luis Cantarell plays an important role in shaping Nestlé's nutrition, health and wellness vision, and his strong and proven leadership will be of great value to our nutrition business."
The decision to bring Nestlé Nutrition and Nestlé Health Science under the same leadership is in line with Nestlé's strategic focus to further strengthen and develop the company's presence in global nutrition.
