Peter Brabeck-Letmathe, the former Chairman of Nestlé, has announced that he will be stepping down as Chairman Emeritus effective April 16, 2026. This decision marks the end of an era for Brabeck-Letmathe, who has been associated with the company for over five decades. He first joined Nestlé in 1968 and went on to hold various leadership positions, including CEO from 1997 to 2008 and Chairman from 2005. Brabeck-Letmathe was elected to the Board of Directors in 1997 and was named Vice-Chairman in 2001. He retired from official duties in 2017 but continued to serve as Chairman Emeritus, a largely honorary position.
The current Chairman of the Board, Pablo Isla, has praised Brabeck-Letmathe’s contributions to the company, stating that his vision and commitment have left a lasting impact on Nestlé. Isla expressed his gratitude for Brabeck-Letmathe’s continued interest in the company and acknowledged that he will remain a valued friend of Nestlé. Brabeck-Letmathe’s decision to step down as Chairman Emeritus comes at a time of leadership changes at Nestlé. In 2025, Paul Bulcke stepped down as Chair of the Board, and Phillip Navratil was appointed as CEO, replacing Laurent Freixe. Isla took over as Chair of the Board on October 1, 2025.
Brabeck-Letmathe’s departure as Chairman Emeritus will be formalized at the company’s 159th Annual General Meeting on April 16, 2026. His legacy at Nestlé is significant, and his contributions to the company’s growth and success will be remembered. The company will likely continue to evolve and adapt to changing market conditions, but Brabeck-Letmathe’s impact on Nestlé’s history and culture will endure. As the company moves forward, it will be interesting to see how the new leadership team navigates the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. With Brabeck-Letmathe’s departure, Nestlé will enter a new chapter in its history, and it remains to be seen how the company will continue to grow and thrive in the years to come.