Scandal and Sluggish Sales Put Nestlé’s New Boss Under Pressure

At a global meeting for Nestlé SA staff on Wednesday, new Chief Executive Officer Philipp Navratil kept it brief. He acknowledged challenges facing the world’s largest food company, praised its global presence and brands, and promised to return soon with a plan on how to revive a sluggish performance.

The broadcast for the virtual event, dubbed “All Hands,” finished almost half an hour early.

Investors, frustrated with the strategic direction of the Swiss company, may welcome someone who forsakes long meetings in favor of getting things done. The share price has dropped about 45% since a peak in 2022, hit by falling volumes, bloated costs ...