Richard Watson is to become the next Chief Executive of Nestlé UK & Ireland, replacing Stefano Agostini, who has held the role for the last six years.
Watson is currently Managing Director for Nestlé Confectionery in the UK & Ireland, having worked at the business for 27 years.
Agostini is moving to the position of Head of Confectionery for Nestlé’s Zone Europe, with both changes taking effect on 1 March 2023.
Agostini became CEO of Nestlé UK & Ireland in 2017, leading the business to a turnover of more than £3bn. He said: “It has been a pleasure and a privilege to lead this great business in the UK and Ireland. I am proud of the many things that we have achieved as a team, the way we have risen to challenges and moved our business forward.
“I am excited about the challenge ahead, leading our Confectionery business across Europe, and I wish Richard all the very best as he steps into a role that I have truly enjoyed for the last six years.”
Watson has spent the last six years heading up Nestlé UK & Ireland’s Confectionery division, and during this time, the business increased its market share and pioneered a number of significant innovations in the category.
Watson commented: “I am honoured and incredibly excited to be taking on such an important role at such an important time. The UK and Ireland means a lot to Nestlé and it means a lot to me … This is one of Nestlé’s biggest markets and, from experience, I know it’s a great place to do business, to innovate, to grow and to work with very talented people.”
He added: “I would like to thank Stefano for his leadership in the last six years and wish him well in his new role. I am really looking forward to getting started and leading this brilliant team into its exciting next phase.”
