Global food giant Nestlé has announced the appointment of Scott Coles as the new managing director of its confectionery division in the UK and Ireland. Effective immediately, Coles assumes responsibility for iconic brands such as KitKat and Quality Street. He succeeds Mark Davies, who is retiring after 34 years with the company. Davies played a pivotal role in leading initiatives like the Nestlé Cocoa Plan during his tenure. Coles brings extensive experience within the organization, having worked across various regions and divisions since joining in 1997. His most recent position involved overseeing Nestlé’s coffee operations in Central and West Africa.

Prior to this announcement, Scott Coles held significant roles throughout his nearly three-decade career at Nestlé. Since joining the company in 1997, he has been instrumental in areas ranging from customer management and commercial finance to category development. In Oceania, Coles demonstrated strong leadership skills by heading the sales team and later serving as the managing director for nutritious snacks. From 2018 onwards, he took charge of Nestlé’s coffee business spanning 25 markets in Central and West Africa. Under his guidance, the brand experienced accelerated growth, thanks in part to innovative marketing strategies tailored to local consumer preferences.

Beyond his professional achievements, Coles expressed enthusiasm about leading the confectionery business during an exciting period marked by milestone anniversaries for beloved brands like KitKat and Aero, which are celebrating their 90th year. He emphasized his commitment to fostering innovation while honoring the legacy of these iconic products. Furthermore, Coles underscored his dedication to advancing sustainability through programs aimed at improving livelihoods for cocoa farming families and promoting environmentally friendly practices within the supply chain.

This leadership transition coincides with other strategic moves within Nestlé, including the recent appointment of Jeff Hamilton as CEO of Zone Americas, effective from July 1, 2025. These developments reflect the company's ongoing efforts to strengthen its global presence and enhance value creation across diverse sectors.

With his wealth of experience and forward-thinking approach, Scott Coles is poised to drive growth in Nestlé’s confectionery segment. By prioritizing both product innovation and sustainable practices, he aims to build upon the success of well-established brands while ensuring long-term benefits for all stakeholders involved in the industry.