Nestlé has announced the appointment of Antonia Wanner as its new Chief Communications and Sustainability Officer, effective September 1, 2026. As part of the leadership transition, Wanner will also join the company’s Group Executive Board, strengthening Nestlé’s focus on sustainability, stakeholder engagement, and long-term value creation.
- Antonia Wanner Takes on Expanded Leadership Role
- Communications and Sustainability Functions to Be Integrated
- Nestlé CEO Highlights Strategic Importance of Appointment
- Strong Academic and Leadership Credentials
- Sustainability Remains a Strategic Priority for Nestlé
- Leadership Change Supports Long-Term Growth Strategy
The appointment reflects Nestlé’s strategy of bringing its communications and sustainability functions closer together to enhance transparency, strengthen corporate reputation, and support the company’s business objectives in an increasingly sustainability-focused global market.
Antonia Wanner Takes on Expanded Leadership Role
Antonia Wanner currently serves as Chief Sustainability Officer at Nestlé and has been a key figure in advancing the company’s environmental, social, and governance (ESG) agenda.
She joined Nestlé in Germany in 1996 as an in-house lawyer and has built an extensive career within the organization, holding senior leadership roles across several business functions, including:
- Procurement
- Sales
- Sustainability
- Corporate Affairs
- Strategic Operations
Her diverse experience across multiple business areas has positioned her as a strong leader capable of aligning sustainability priorities with broader corporate and business goals.
Communications and Sustainability Functions to Be Integrated
Under the new leadership structure, Nestlé is integrating Corporate Communications and Sustainability under a single executive role.
According to the company, this move is designed to:
- Strengthen stakeholder engagement
- Improve communication of sustainability initiatives
- Enhance transparency and accountability
- Support long-term business growth
- Drive stronger alignment between corporate strategy and ESG commitments
As companies face growing expectations from consumers, investors, regulators, and communities, effective communication around sustainability performance has become increasingly important for global businesses.
Nestlé CEO Highlights Strategic Importance of Appointment
Commenting on the leadership change, Philipp Navratil, CEO of Nestlé, said the appointment will help make Corporate Communications a stronger driver of business impact while supporting the company’s strategic priorities.
He noted that bringing communications and sustainability closer together will strengthen credible stakeholder engagement and contribute to long-term value creation.
Navratil also thanked Lisa Gibby, the outgoing Chief Communications Officer, for her leadership and contributions over the past six years. Gibby has decided to return to the United States following her tenure with the company.
Strong Academic and Leadership Credentials
Antonia Wanner brings a strong academic and professional background to her new role.
She holds:
- A PhD in Law
- Executive education credentials from IMD Business School, Lausanne
- Executive education from the University of Cambridge
Her expertise spans legal affairs, procurement, sustainability strategy, corporate governance, and stakeholder management, making her well-equipped to lead Nestlé’s evolving communications and sustainability agenda.
Sustainability Remains a Strategic Priority for Nestlé
Nestlé continues to position sustainability as a core pillar of its long-term business strategy.
The company has established ambitious goals related to:
- Net-zero greenhouse gas emissions
- Regenerative agriculture
- Sustainable sourcing
- Packaging reduction and circularity
- Water stewardship
- Social impact and community development
As global ESG expectations continue to evolve, businesses are increasingly integrating sustainability into their corporate strategy, communications, and operational decision-making processes.
Industry observers view Nestlé’s leadership restructuring as part of a broader trend among multinational corporations seeking stronger alignment between sustainability commitments and stakeholder communications.
Leadership Change Supports Long-Term Growth Strategy
The appointment of Antonia Wanner comes at a time when companies worldwide are facing increased scrutiny regarding environmental performance, corporate transparency, and responsible business practices.
By combining sustainability and communications under a unified leadership structure, Nestlé aims to strengthen its ability to engage with stakeholders, communicate progress effectively, and deliver on its long-term sustainability commitments.
As the global food and beverage industry continues to navigate evolving consumer expectations and regulatory requirements, leadership roles that bridge business strategy, sustainability, and communications are becoming increasingly critical.
With nearly three decades of experience within Nestlé, Antonia Wanner is expected to play a key role in shaping the company’s sustainability narrative and supporting its growth ambitions in the years ahead.
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