Nestlé Philippines announced on Monday, July 7, that it has appointed seasoned executive Mauricio Alarcón as its new chairman and chief executive officer (CEO).

Effective this month, Alarcón will succeed Kais Marzouki, who has been designated as Nestlé’s head in the Greater China Region.

With over two decades of experience within the Switzerland-based multinational conglomerate, Alarcón will bring to the Philippines his wide-ranging experience in leadership roles across several countries.

Born in Mexico, he earned his master’s degree in engineering at University of Manchester, later working in an industrial group and banking before joining Nestlé’s Mexico unit in 1999.

Beginning 2004, Alarcón held senior positions in the Nestlé ice cream business, including postings in Australia and Egypt, which covered North Africa.

He served as managing director of Nestlé Côte d’Ivoire, as well as managing director and CEO of Nestlé Nigeria.

Prior to his appointment in the Philippines, he was he in charge of Nestlé’s units in 25 countries as CEO of Nestlé Central and West Africa Region.

Alarcón described leading Nestlé Philippines, which is among the 10 biggest markets for Nestlé, as “both an honor and a responsibility.”

“Together with our teams and our partners, my aspiration is to take our business to new levels, in doing good for Filipinos and the planet,” the executive said.

“In an increasingly complex and ever-changing environment, we can only achieve our goals by working together,” he added.