Patrice Bula, Member of the Board of Directors

Patrice Bula

Board member since February 28, 2019

Nationality: Swiss | Year of birth: 1956

Patrice Bula has 40 years of global management experience and is a leader in the consumer goods industry across established and emerging markets. He has served in various senior roles at Nestlé SA, including as general manager of its businesses in China, Germany and South Africa. Most recently, he successfully led the Nestlé Group’s brand strategies, digital marketing transformation and Nespresso business.

Professional experience

  • Executive vice president and head of strategic business units, marketing, sales and Nespresso, Nestlé SA, Switzerland (2011–2021)
  • Market head of the Greater China region, Nestlé SA, Switzerland (2007–2011)
  • Market head of Germany, Nestlé SA, Switzerland (2003–2007)
  • Head of the confectionery and biscuits strategic business unit, Nestlé SA, Switzerland (2000–2003)
  • Various managerial positions at Nestlé SA, Switzerland (1980–2000)

Mandates

  • Chairman, Froneri Lux Topco Sarl, Luxembourg
  • Board member, Schindler AG, Switzerland
  • Co-chairman (2020–2021) and board member (2015–2021), Cereal Partners Worldwide SA, Switzerland (Nestlé representative)
  • Board member, Froneri Lux Topco Sarl, Luxembourg (Nestlé representative) (2016–2020)
  • Board member, Bobst Group SA, Switzerland (2017–2019)
  • Chairman, Blue Bottle Coffee Inc., US (Nestlé representative) (2017–2019)
  • Chairman, Nestlé Nespresso SA, Switzerland (Nestlé representative) (2011–2019)
  • Board member, Hsu Fu Chi Food Companies, China (Nestlé representative) (2011–2019)

Education

  • Program for Executive Development, IMD business school, Switzerland
  • Master’s degree in economic sciences, HEC Lausanne, Switzerland

Key skills

  • Leadership/management
  • Finance/accounting
  • Data/digital