Nestlé SA has announced the appointment of Manuela Bernasconi as Group General Counsel and a member of its Group Executive Board, effective January 1, 2027. Bernasconi succeeds Leanne Geale, who has held the position since 2019 and is retiring. The appointment was disclosed as an ad hoc disclosure under Swiss Listing Rules, Article 53, reflecting the formal recognition of her leadership transition within the company’s legal and compliance function.
Bernasconi brings nearly 20 years of experience to Nestlé, having joined the company in 2007 as a Legal Counsel in Corporate & Group Compliance. She previously served as General Counsel for Nespresso, a division she joined in 2017, and held the role for Nespresso from 2020 onward. In January 2025, she took on the position of General Counsel for Zone Americas. Her tenure at Nestlé spans corporate legal, compliance, and specialized roles across its global operations.
In a statement, Philipp Navratil, Nestlé’s CEO, highlighted Bernasconi’s extensive background: ‘With nearly 20 years of experience at Nestlé, Manuela combines deep legal expertise with a strong understanding of our company.’ Navratil also acknowledged Leanne Geale’s contributions, noting that Geale ‘further strengthened and professionalized Nestlé’s Legal & Compliance function, including our approach to human rights.’
The move follows a period of significant growth for Nestlé’s legal and compliance operations, particularly in areas such as regulatory adherence and corporate governance. The company’s stock, listed on the Swiss Exchange under the ticker NESN, closed at 77.10 CHF on September 22, reflecting a minor uptick of +0.01%. The appointment underscores Nestlé’s ongoing efforts to integrate legal leadership into its executive structure, aligning with broader strategic priorities in risk management and regulatory compliance.
