Nestlé Names Jeff Hamilton as CEO of Zone North America, Succeeding Steve Presley

Nestlé is ushering in new leadership for its critical North America zone, appointing Jeff Hamilton as CEO following the departure of Steve Presley, who held the role since 2018.

Hamilton, a seasoned Nestlé executive, previously led the company’s U.S. Food Division and brings over two decades of experience across Nestlé’s beverage, baking, and food segments. His appointment reflects a strategic continuity move as Nestlé navigates a shifting consumer landscape, with priorities ranging from health-focused innovation to supply chain modernization and digital acceleration.

Steve Presley exits after a 26-year tenure with the company, during which he played a pivotal role in reshaping Nestlé’s U.S. operations — including divestments, portfolio streamlining, and new category investments in plant-based, functional foods, and sustainability.

With North America accounting for the largest share of Nestlé’s global sales, the leadership transition signals an intent to maintain momentum while evolving with consumer expectations across convenience, wellness, and premiumization.

Corpbrief Insight: Leadership changes at this level aren’t just about succession — they reflect strategic calibration. As Nestlé doubles down on health-forward growth in the world’s most competitive consumer market, Hamilton’s internal elevation suggests a bet on steady execution and deep institutional knowledge.