GATWICK, UK – Nestlé UK & Ireland is pleased to announce several appointments to its senior leadership team, Katya Simmons, Martin Krohn and Lorenzo Vigano. Katya Simmons has been appointed Managing Director for Coffee at Nestlé UK & Ireland. Katya’s career began in Nestlé Russia in 2002, where she held several Sales and CDT Confectionery assignments, before moving to Marketing in 2010.
Katya delivered strong market share growth and profitability turnaround, before going on to become Managing Director for Nestlé Professional Russia and Eurasia in 2015. Under her leadership, the business consistently delivered strong growth and new business wins.
In 2017, Katya moved to the UK, becoming Business Effectiveness Manager at Nestlé Professional UK & Ireland. In 2018 she became Managing Director Nestlé Professional UK & Ireland, a position she held for more than seven years.
During her time at Nestlé Professional, Katya worked hard to deliver strong business results, market share growth and transformation of critical business model under project MORE, build effective customer collaboration and a strong team culture. Under Katya’s tenure, the category also reinforced its commitment to sustainability and youth skills, with the Nestlé Professional Toque d’Or competition reaching its 38th year, and the launch of the Choose Hospitality Pledge.
Katya is praised for her leadership style, commitment to building an inclusive culture and, broad omni-channel marketing and commercial experience that will now be applied to the Coffee sector.
Speaking on her new role, Katya Simmons said: “I am thrilled to be leading the Coffee sector in the UK and Ireland. Coffee has an exciting future ahead of it and I am privileged and proud to be part of the team taking it forward. I can’t wait to see what we will achieve and how we’ll drive growth across our incredible brands”
Martin Krohn, a highly regarded member of the Confectionery Europe team, has been appointed as Head of Technical & Production Nestlé UK & Ireland. Martin will have direct responsibility for Coffee, Confectionery and Food factories, including Mindful Chef and Simply Cook Operations.
Martin joined Nestlé in 2005 and has held several positions in Industrial Performance and Manufacturing across Germany, including both Hamburg and Schwerin factories. In 2013, he took on the role of Factory Manager at the Sofia confectionery plant in Bulgaria. Upon his return to Germany in 2017, Martin served as the Manufacturing Excellence Manager for the German market, leading the Performance Improvement team.
Since April 2021, Martin has led the European Zone’s confectionery manufacturing for the KitKat & Wafer Cluster, delivering strong results. Martin’s expertise, strong end to end mindset and inclusive approach to leadership focused on building trust with teams at all levels led to sustainable improvements in performance across his portfolio.
Martin is known for driving change and fostering people and team development through a pragmatic and positive style.
Speaking on his role, Martin Krohn said: “It’s a pleasure to move into the role of Head of Technical and Production for Nestlé in the UK and Ireland. Safety and quality are paramount to all that we do at Nestlé, and I will continue to put this at the heart of the market.”
Lorenzo Vigano has been appointed Managing Director for Nestlé Professional UK & Ireland.
Lorenzo brings with him a wealth of experience in the Out of Home world, having joined Nestlé Italy in 2012 to lead the Nestlé Professional Super Premium Beverage division. In 2013, he was appointed BEO Nestlé Professional Italy and managed the successful turn-around of the business, reshaping the portfolio of the organisation.
In 2015, Lorenzo was appointed Head of Beverages Nestlé Professional Europe. In this role he transformed the Beverage business across Europe, actively working to build the Coffee Global Business Strategy.
In 2023, Lorenzo became Managing Director Nestlé Professional Turkey, rapidly growing the business to become the 10th largest Nestlé Professional market.
Lorenzo is known for his engaging and open leadership style, inspiring teams with passion and energy, and is credited for his balance of strategic vision with hands-on execution.
Speaking on his role, Lorenzo Vigano said: “It’s a pleasure and honour to lead Nestlé Professional at such an exciting time. As we enter the new year, I’m energised by the opportunities ahead and committed to supporting our customers across hospitality and foodservice. Together, we’ll continue delivering exceptional products and services, driven by our focus on excellence, sustainability, and innovation.”
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