Nestlé has appointed Manuela Bernasconi as its new group general counsel and a member of the Group Executive Board, effective 1 January 2027.

Bernasconi, who currently serves as general counsel for Zone Americas, will succeed Leanne Geale, who is retiring after seven years as Nestlé’s group general counsel.

Bernasconi joined Nestlé in 2007 as legal counsel within corporate & group compliance. She has since held a number of senior legal positions across the business, including roles within Zone Europe and Nestlé Switzerland.

She joined Nespresso in 2017 and became its general counsel in 2020, before moving to the role of general counsel for Zone Latin America. In January 2025, she was appointed general counsel for Zone Americas.

In her new position, Bernasconi will lead Nestlé’s Legal & Compliance function at group level, overseeing the company’s legal, regulatory and compliance activities.

Nestlé CEO Philipp Navratil said Bernasconi brings nearly two decades of experience with the company, alongside legal expertise and knowledge of its operations.

“With nearly 20 years of experience at Nestlé, Manuela combines deep legal expertise with a strong understanding of our company,” Navratil said. “She is a trusted adviser with a proven ability to navigate complex legal, regulatory and compliance matters.”

He added that Bernasconi’s leadership and strategic perspective would support the Legal & Compliance function in its next phase.

Geale will step down following seven years as group general counsel. During her tenure, Nestlé said she strengthened and professionalised the company’s Legal & Compliance function, including its approach to human rights.

“On behalf of her colleagues across Nestlé, I thank her warmly for her leadership and many contributions to the company,” Navratil said.