Nestle(US:NSRGY) Guan Cha Zhe Wang·2025-09-18 01:42Core Viewpoint - Nestlé is experiencing a governance crisis marked by the abrupt resignation of Chairman Paul Bulcke, who will be succeeded by Pablo Isla on October 1, 2023, following a series of leadership changes and declining performance [2][4][11]. Group 1: Leadership Changes - Paul Bulcke's resignation was unexpected as he was originally set to retire in April 2026, and it follows the recent dismissal of former CEO Laurent Freixe due to a scandal [4][8]. - Bulcke is the first chairman in nearly 20 years to resign under pressure from investors, reflecting a loss of confidence in the company's governance [5][7]. - The rapid succession of leadership, including two CEO changes within a year, has raised concerns about the company's stability and performance [8][10]. Group 2: Financial Performance - Nestlé's sales have been struggling, with a reported sales figure of 44.23 billion Swiss francs for the first half of 2025, a decline of 1.8% year-on-year, and a net profit of 5.06 billion Swiss francs, down 10.3% [10]. - The company's stock price has dropped over 40% since 2022, indicating significant market challenges and pressure on profit margins [10][12]. Group 3: New Leadership Expectations - Pablo Isla, the new chairman, is the first external appointee in Nestlé's history, previously leading Inditex and known for his strong leadership [11][12]. - Isla's immediate challenge will be to restore investor confidence and address the internal governance issues that have arisen from recent leadership turmoil [12][13]. - Analysts suggest that Isla must focus on strategic repositioning and operational efficiency to navigate the current market challenges and enhance Nestlé's competitive edge [12][13].