Nestlé Lanka has appointed Manav Sahni as its new Chairman and Managing Director, effective 1 May 2026. Sahni succeeds Bernie Stefan, who is transitioning to a global role within the Nestlé Group.
Stefan led the Colombo-listed FMCG company through what it describes as a challenging period since 2023, steering a turnaround amid the post-crisis macroeconomic environment. In a statement, Stefan said leading Nestlé Lanka had been “a deeply meaningful chapter” in his career and thanked staff, partners and the wider business community, including the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce on whose board he served.
Sahni joins with more than 18 years in FMCG and telecoms. He has most recently headed Nestlé’s dairy business for the South Asia Region, overseeing a large multi-market portfolio. He said he was “thrilled” to lead Nestlé Lanka “at such a pivotal moment,” and pointed to the brand’s long presence in Sri Lankan households.
Nestlé Lanka Ltd. is a subsidiary of Swiss parent Nestlé S.A. and is listed on the Colombo Stock Exchange under the ticker NEST. The company is marking 120 years of operations in Sri Lanka and is among the country’s largest FMCG employers, with brands spanning dairy, beverages, confectionery and culinary.
Stefan’s transition to a global role follows a pattern of Nestlé Lanka chiefs moving on to international postings within the group. The company has not detailed which division Stefan will now oversee.
