MANAV SAHNI TAKES THE HELM AT NESTLÉ LANKA

Nestlé Lanka Limited has appointed Manav Sahni as Chairman and Managing Director, ushering in a significant leadership transition. Bringing more than 18 years of experience across FMCG and telecom sectors, Sahni assumes the role at a time when the company is intensifying its focus on sustainability, community engagement and long-term growth.

Nestlé Lanka Limited has named Manav Sahni as its new Chairman and Managing Director, marking a notable leadership transition for the company as it advances its ambitions around sustainable growth and deeper community engagement.

Sahni steps into the role with more than 18 years of experience spanning the fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) and telecommunications sectors, carrying with him a broad understanding of consumer markets and operational leadership across South Asia. His appointment reflects both continuity and strategic evolution within the company as it navigates changing consumer expectations and broader industry shifts.

Prior to taking charge of Nestlé Lanka, Sahni led Nestlé’s Dairy business for the South Asia Region, overseeing one of the company’s most significant categories in a market where nutrition, affordability and consumer preferences continue to evolve rapidly. His experience within Nestlé’s ecosystem is also complemented by earlier roles at Marico Limited and airtel, where he gained exposure to diverse business environments and customer landscapes.

The move comes at a time when large consumer companies are increasingly being assessed not only by their financial performance but also by their commitments to sustainability and social impact. Across global markets, businesses are facing mounting expectations to build stronger relationships with communities while balancing environmental responsibilities and commercial growth.

For Nestlé Lanka, Sahni’s appointment arrives as the company continues to strengthen its sustainability initiatives and long-term strategic priorities under the broader Nestlé Group framework. Community partnerships and responsible growth strategies have become central to corporate agendas across the consumer goods sector, particularly in emerging markets where local engagement is closely tied to business resilience.

Leadership transitions often represent more than a change in title; they can also signal a fresh phase in corporate direction. Sahni’s blend of experience across consumer products and telecommunications may bring a wider perspective to the role, especially as companies increasingly rely on digital transformation, evolving customer insights and integrated market strategies.

As Nestlé Lanka enters its next chapter, the appointment positions the company under a leader whose career has been shaped by both established consumer brands and dynamic regional markets, setting the stage for a period defined by continuity, adaptation and long-term ambition.