Mark Schneider is Nestlé's new CEO

Swiss food group Nestlé has appointed Ulf Mark Schneider as its new CEO. Currently German Fresenius’ CEO, he will succeed Paul Bulcke in January 2017.

First external CEO in 100 years’ time

Schneider’s appointment is a huge surprise, because he only has very limited experience in the food industry. Nearly everyone expected Nestlé to appoint someone from within its own ranks, like Wang Ling Martello, Chris Johnson or Laurent Freixe, who all hold important positions within the company. Schneider is the very first CEO from outside the company since 1922, when banker Louis Dapples was asked to run the company after it had experienced a severe financial setback.

The appointment does underline Nestlé’s rekindled interest in health and good food, as Schneider does have a lot of experience in the health industry. From 1 September, he will join Nestlé and will officially become the company’s CEO on 1 January 2017.