In 1979, aged 25, he started working for the Nestlé group and worked in different countries, including Switzerland, Spain, Belgium, Peru, Ecuador, Chile, Portugal, Czech Republic and Germany.

Before his appointment as CEO of Nestlé, he was the executive vice president of its Americas divisions.

Fresh water is being massively overused at nature's expense, but it seems only a global crisis will make us realise the importance of the issue.

"[3]On 25 May 2012, he received the VMA Award from the Vlerick Leuven Gent Management School for his "lifelong career, which has been distinguished by sustained integrity, exceptional management capacity and inspiring leadership".

[4] He is married, has three children, and speaks six languages: Dutch, French, Spanish, Portuguese, German and English.