Inclusive and accountable governance
We want to be the trusted leader in our sector. Building our business on clear principles and sound governance helps us maintain trust in Nestlé and reduce risk throughout our value chain. In addition to our internal governance structures, we also take a wider, more inclusive approach, with advice from external advisory groups.
The Nestlé Corporate Business Principles
We regulate the way we operate using the Nestlé Corporate Business Principles (pdf, 1.1Mb), which form the basis of our culture, our values and our Creating Shared Value strategy. Available in more than 50 languages, all employees must comply with them through the ongoing implementation of relevant business codes, policies, processes and tools. We monitor their application and effectiveness through various channels, including our CARE audits, and have a formal public commitment to provide employees with training on the principles.
Our Corporate Business Principles are reviewed by our Executive Board and aligned with international best practice and standards such as the UN Global Compact (UNGC) Principles.
We are also guided by:
- The Nestlé Supplier Code, which sets out the minimum standards we require our suppliers, and their suppliers, to adhere to; and
- The Nestlé Responsible Sourcing Guideline, which helps our suppliers to improve practices, where necessary, at farm or plantation level, and ensure they meet or exceed internationally recognised standards.
Read more about the Supplier Code and RSG.
Our internal governance structure
The Board of Directors, the Chairman, CEO and Executive Board are responsible for the supervision and management of our role in society, and for the Creating Shared Value strategy. They are supported by internal management bodies such as the Nestlé in Society Board, as well as the Operations Sustainability Council, Issues Round Table, R&D Council for Sustainability and Nutrition, and the Group Compliance Committee.
Internal governance structure
The Nestlé in Society Board
The Nestlé in Society Board is chaired by our CEO. It leads the strategic development and implementation of Creating Shared Value across our business, including for all societal commitments, objectives and strategies, and reverts to the Executive Board for input and confirmation.
Specifically, the board works to:
- Ensure all activities and workstreams align with Nestlé’s positioning in society;
- Assess and draw appropriate conclusions from societal developments affecting Nestlé; and
- Further strengthen our credentials in Creating Shared Value, environmental sustainability and compliance.
See our Annual Report and Corporate Governance Report for more information about our governance and advisory structure.
Nominations and Sustainability Committee
Our new Nominations and Sustainability Committee reviews the annual Nestlé in society report. Its members also periodically discuss how other material, non-financial issues affect the company’s financial performance and how our long-term strategy relates to our ability to create shared value.
It also reviews our shareholder base and other significant stakeholders, and their material interests.
External advisory groups
Our internal governance structure is supported, through a wider, more inclusive approach, with advice from external advisory groups.
The Nestlé Creating Shared Value Council
Chaired by Janet Voûte, the Nestlé CSV Council comprises 13 external members, whose expertise spans corporate social responsibility, strategy, sustainability, nutrition, water and rural development. The group advises Nestlé management on implementing Creating Shared Value and assesses our progress. Council members also participate in Nestlé’s CSV Global Forum and form the judging panel for the Nestlé Creating Shared Value Prize.
The Nestlé Nutrition Council
The Nestlé Nutrition Council, an independent advisory panel of leading international nutrition scientists, meets twice a year to advise our senior management team on nutrition challenges and their potential impact on our policies and strategy. It also challenges the reviews of our research programmes, and organises the annual Nestlé International Nutrition Symposium. The Council is chaired by Executive Vice President Stefan Catsicas.
Read the profiles of the Nestlé Nutrition Council members here.
Related content
Find out more in our Creating Shared Value full report