The Hindu Business Line : Martial Rolland to take over reins of Nestle India

NESTLÉ S.A. has announced the appointment of Mr Carlo Donati, currently Chairman and Managing Director of Nestlé India, as the Worldwide Chairman and CEO of Nestlé Waters.

Mr Martial Rolland has been chosen to take his place as the Indian arm's Chairman and Managing Director, subject to necessary approvals, according to a Nestlé India statement.

Mr Rolland is currently the Market Head of Nestlé Turkey and has earlier worked in Nestlé India, it said, adding that these changes are scheduled to be effective by December 2004. Reacting to the appointment, Mr Carlo Donati said, "Nestlé Waters is a major responsibility and it is both an honour and a privilege to be appointed as Head of Nestlé Waters. However, I have always prided myself on the capabilities of my team at Nestlé India and it is as much a recognition of their support, performance and achievements that I have been given this responsibility."

Mr Donati took over as the Managing Director of Nestlé India in July 1998 and was nominated as the Chairman and Managing Director in 2000.

During his tenure, Mr Donati ensured focus on consumer insights, value for money, more affordable packs and a `back to basics' approach in marketing. "As a clear-headed hands-on leader, he has always encouraged innovation and renovation, operational excellence and continuous improvement in all functions and activities. This has helped Nestlé India in sustaining a healthy topline growth and profitability over the past few years, despite a sluggish consumer sentiment for FMCG products," the statement added.

Nestle SA announced that Mr Michael W.O. Garrett, Executive Vice-President and head of Zone Asia, Oceania and Africa (AOA), would retire from Nestle SA by April 2005.