After a distinguished career spanning over four decades with Nestlé, Sanjay Bahadur, Executive Vice President and Head of Group Strategy and Business Development, has announced his retirement, effective December 2025. Throughout his tenure, Bahadur has held various leadership roles across multiple countries, including India, Switzerland, Hong Kong, Türkiye, and China, playing a pivotal role in shaping the company’s strategic priorities.
In his current position, Bahadur has been responsible for overseeing key areas such as portfolio management, mergers and acquisitions, venture investments, external partnerships, and licensing. His expertise and guidance have been instrumental in driving the company’s growth and expansion. Nestlé’s CEO, Philipp Navratil, has praised Bahadur’s contributions, highlighting his “uncompromising integrity and humble approach to leadership,” which have fostered trust and collaboration across the organization.
Navratil expressed his gratitude to Bahadur, stating, “We extend our heartfelt thanks to Sanjay and wish him the very best in his next chapter.” Bahadur’s departure marks the end of an era, and his legacy will undoubtedly continue to shape the company’s future. As he prepares to embark on his next journey, Nestlé will undergo a transition, with the Mergers and Acquisitions (M&A) function being transferred to Anna Manz, the company’s Chief Financial Officer.
The transition of the M&A function to Manz is expected to be seamless, given her expertise and experience in financial management. The company is confident that she will continue to drive growth and expansion through strategic acquisitions and partnerships. With Bahadur’s retirement, Nestlé will lose a seasoned leader, but his contributions and legacy will remain an integral part of the company’s history and culture. As the company looks to the future, it is poised to continue its growth trajectory, driven by a strong leadership team and a commitment to innovation and excellence.