“Sri Lanka the jewel in the crown,” says Nestlé’s South Asia Head

Friday, 23 May 2014 01:16 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Sri Lanka is the jewel in Nestlé’s South Asian crown, the multinational’s regional Head asserted yesterday. Speaking shortly after the conclusion of the company’s AGM last afternoon, Nestlé South Asia Head and Nestlé Lanka Chairman Etienne Benet told the Daily FT that Nestlé was “very entrenched” in the country. “It’s not everywhere that you see a company doing so well in such a lovely environment. This is a lovely country. I would love to be Country Manager here. It is very pleasant, the people are so friendly, and the atmosphere and landscape are great.”

“I would like Nestlé Lanka to continue this growth and be a very successful company, not only for us as Nestlé but also for the shareholders, and to be seen as a very responsible company, doing good, developing people and giving opportunities to youngsters, which is more important than doubling or tripling the business,” asserted Benet. Commenting further on the local operation, he affirmed: “As the Chairman of the company, I would say I am quite happy with the way this company is being run. I am very happy with the quality of the people and the products. It is a very nice company. However, as in all businesses, we have to address some weak points and improve some areas. We want to understand the consumer needs and address them, as a consumer-centric company.” Benet is also Chairman and Managing Director of Nestlé India Ltd. and Director of Nestlé Bangladesh Ltd. He was appointed to the Nestlé Lanka Board effective 1 January 2014 and has held his current position as Head of Nestlé South Asia since October 2013.