Nestlé’s Sanjay Bahadur to retire after four decades of leadership

MUMBAI: Nestlé has announced that its executive vice president and head of group strategy and business development, Sanjay Bahadur, will retire at the end of December 2025, bringing to a close an illustrious association of more than forty years with the food giant.

During his long tenure, Bahadur worked across India, Switzerland, Hong Kong, Türkiye and China, shaping the company’s strategic direction in markets that rarely stand still. In his present role, he oversaw portfolio management, mergers and acquisitions, venture funds, external partnerships and licensing, guiding Nestlé’s global growth moves with a steady hand and a sharp eye.

Nestlé CEO Philipp Navratil lauded Bahadur’s legacy, noting his integrity and calm, collaborative leadership style. He said the company owed him “a heartfelt thanks” for his contributions and wished him well as he steps into his next chapter.

Following his retirement, Nestlé’s M&A operations will shift under the supervision of chief financial officer Anna Manz, marking a smooth structural handover as the company continues to navigate an ever-evolving consumer landscape.

A four-decade career that stretched across continents is now gently signing off, leaving behind a trail of strategic milestones and quiet leadership that helped shape one of the world’s most recognisable brands.