Nestlé Lanka names Manav Sahni as new Chief in a leadership transition that signals continuity and strategic momentum, as the company positions itself for sustained growth in Sri Lanka’s competitive fast-moving consumer goods sector.
Nestlé Lanka names Manav Sahni as new Chief, Bernie Stefan moves global
Nestlé Lanka Ltd. has announced the appointment of Manav Sahni as Chairman and Managing Director, effective 1 May 2026, succeeding Bernie Stefan, who will transition into a new global role within the Nestlé Group. The move comes at a critical juncture for the company as it consolidates gains from a recent turnaround while navigating evolving consumer demand and economic conditions in Sri Lanka.
Stefan’s tenure, which began in 2023, was marked by a period of significant operational and market challenges. During this phase, he led the organisation through a strategic reset, stabilising performance and laying the groundwork for long-term expansion. His leadership focused on strengthening supply chain resilience, maintaining consumer trust, and aligning operations with broader sustainability commitments. These efforts collectively contributed to repositioning the company for sustainable growth within a volatile macroeconomic environment.
Reflecting on his time in Sri Lanka, Stefan highlighted both professional and personal milestones, emphasising the resilience of the local team and the broader impact of the company’s operations. He noted that Nestlé Lanka’s legacy—spanning over 120 years—extends beyond commercial success to include community engagement, partnerships, and responsible corporate citizenship. His role as a board member of the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce further reinforced the company’s integration into the national business ecosystem and policy dialogue.
The leadership transition to Sahni introduces a profile with extensive regional experience across the FMCG and telecommunications sectors. With over 18 years of industry exposure, Sahni has most recently led Nestlé’s Dairy business in the South Asia region, managing a complex and diverse portfolio. His track record includes driving business transformation, optimising product portfolios, and scaling operations across multiple markets. This background is expected to be instrumental in accelerating Nestlé Lanka leadership transition objectives while sustaining growth momentum.
Sahni assumes leadership at a time when consumer markets are undergoing structural shifts. Changing consumption patterns, increased price sensitivity, and rising expectations around health, nutrition, and sustainability are reshaping the competitive landscape. In this context, Nestlé Lanka’s strategy is likely to prioritise innovation, product differentiation, and value-driven offerings to maintain market relevance. Strengthening brand equity while ensuring affordability will be central to navigating these dynamics.
From an operational standpoint, the company is expected to continue investing in local manufacturing capabilities and supply chain efficiency. These priorities align with broader industry trends where resilience and localisation have become critical following recent global disruptions. Additionally, digital transformation across distribution, marketing, and consumer engagement channels is likely to play a more prominent role in driving growth.
The appointment also reflects a broader trend within multinational corporations to leverage regional expertise in local markets. By bringing in leadership with cross-market experience, companies aim to transfer best practices, enhance operational agility, and respond more effectively to both global and local challenges. In the case of Nestlé Lanka new CEO, this approach is expected to support the company’s ambition of balancing global standards with local relevance.
In his remarks, Sahni expressed optimism about the company’s trajectory, noting that Nestlé has been a trusted presence in Sri Lankan households for generations. He emphasised a commitment to delivering high-quality, nutritious products while expanding the company’s positive impact through its brands and initiatives. This dual focus on commercial performance and social contribution reflects the evolving role of multinational corporations in emerging markets.
The transition also comes at a symbolic moment, as Nestlé Lanka marks over a century of operations in the country. Maintaining this legacy while adapting to future challenges will require a calibrated strategy that integrates innovation, sustainability, and stakeholder engagement. Within this framework, leadership continuity and strategic clarity will be critical success factors.
As Nestlé Lanka names Manav Sahni as new Chief, the company enters a new phase of leadership with a mandate to build on past achievements while addressing emerging market realities. The effectiveness of this transition will depend on the organisation’s ability to execute its strategic priorities, respond to consumer needs, and sustain operational excellence in an increasingly complex business environment.