The CEO Making History: Remy Ejel’s $3 Billion MENA Milestone at Nestlé

Remy Ejel, the Chairman and CEO of Nestlé Middle East and North Africa (MENA), has successfully brought together strategy, compassion, and sustainability to make Nestlé’s impact shine brighter across 19 countries. From integrating diverse markets to leading humanitarian initiatives, Ejel’s leadership is nothing but transformative.

When you think of Nestlé, you might picture chocolate bars or baby food. But under Ejel’s guidance, Nestlé MENA has become much more: a $3 billion powerhouse that operates 25 state-of-the-art factories, employs 15,000 individuals, and impacts over 100,000 families annually. Let’s take a closer look at how Ejel has reshaped the food and beverage industry in the region.

Remy Ejel started his journey with Nestlé in Saudi Arabia in 1998. Two decades later, his leadership resulted in the integration of the 13 Middle Eastern markets with six North African nations to form Nestlé MENA on January 1, 2020. This strategic move not only streamlined operations but also positioned Nestlé as a regional leader capable of responding to the diverse needs of 19 countries. With a century-long presence in Egypt and a significant investment of $1.3 billion over the last decade, the commitment of Nestlé towards the region cannot be denied. Ejel’s vision has been key to ensuring this growth path while always keeping innovation and local collaboration at the helm.

Ejel is not just a revenue creator but also a change-maker. During the global pandemic, Nestlé MENA ramped up under his watch, supporting over 100,000 families and 50,000 healthcare professionals. By donating 10 million servings of food and beverages and 620,000 liters of water, Ejel demonstrated the commitment of Nestlé in being a force for good. Through collaboration with more than 30 local entities across 17 countries, these efforts represent how Nestlé, under Ejel’s leadership, combines corporate success with community impact. In addition to short-term relief, the company is also committed to sustainability, ensuring that its operations are in line with long-term environmental and societal goals.

Nestlé is a global brand, but Ejel has ensured that its operations in MENA respect and celebrate the region’s unique cultural and culinary traditions. The company’s 25 factories produce locally tailored products that cater to regional tastes, ensuring that Nestlé remains a household name across diverse markets. Ejel has championed the adoption of technological innovations that would improve efficiency and reduce the environmental footprint of the company. Balancing modern innovation with a great respect for traditions at the local level, he’s created a winning formula that hits the chords of consumers and stakeholders alike.

His work with local organizations and communities demonstrates a deep understanding of the challenges of the region and commitment toward sustainable solutions. Under Ejel’s leadership, Nestlé MENA isn’t just a business; it’s a partner in progress for the people of the Middle East and North Africa. Whether through job creation, community support, or innovative product offerings, Ejel’s influence is felt far and wide.

His ability to unify diverse markets, drive sustainability, and prioritize people over profits makes him a bright spot in the corporate world. And at Nestlé MENA, $3 billion is generated annually, touching millions of lives with Ejel’s journey being proof of the power of purposeful leadership. As Ejel continues to bridge the gap between global innovation and local relevance, one thing is quite certain: the future of food in MENA is in safe hands.