Our Leaders
Sandra Martinez
Nestlé Australia CEO
I have worked in many countries throughout my time at Nestlé. The one thing I have loved about my experience is the people I have met along the way – those within our organisation and those in the wider community. Learning from others, being open to conversations and different perspectives is what helps us grow, professionally and personally.
Like many others, I am beginning to build my understanding of First Nations peoples, their unique cultures, experiences, history and knowledge of this land. Our Reflect Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) built a fantastic foundation for me and the wider business to understand our sphere of influence and explore the unique contribution we can make to support social and economic prosperity of First Nations peoples.
Building on our Reflect RAP, I am delighted to launch the Nestlé Innovate RAP, which represents the next stage of our commitment to impact the lives of First Nations peoples positively.
At Nestlé, we believe that by working with people and communities we have a unique opportunity to unlock the power of food to enhance the quality of life for everyone, today and for generations to come.
We employ over 3200 people in Australia in sites stretching from Gubbi Gubbi/Kabi Kabi Country in Queensland to Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung Country in Victoria. As change starts from the inside out, we are bringing all our employees – including me – on our journey of reconciliation, to create respectful and meaningful relationships with First Nations peoples.
While individuals play a part, I believe a united effort by our industry will deliver more progress more quickly for future generations. Through our iconic brands, we are investigating ways to collaborate with and learn from others in the food and beverage industry who are also committed to fostering opportunities for First Nations peoples and businesses.
Our values at Nestlé are rooted in respect; respect for ourselves, for each other, for diversity and for the future. To achieve this, we are listening, learning and walking alongside First Nations peoples. We acknowledge the land on which we operate is the unceded sovereign lands of the original people who have been the custodians for over 65,000 years – and that First Nations peoples have much to teach us about living and working more sustainably here.
Through our contribution, we look forward to building stronger relationships with First Nations Peoples and the wider Australian community which will contribute to a healthier future for all.
Kristina Czepl
RAP Sponsor
General Manager,
Nestlé Professional Oceania
In most cultures, sharing a meal is the best way to create connections and spark conversation. Like many people, food has provided the backdrop to some of the best memories in my life across the many countries I have lived and travelled in. Since arriving in Australia 20 years ago, I have come to understand how truly unique the culture and food of Australia’s First Nations peoples is – something in which all Australians can take pride.
As the world’s largest food and beverage company, we strongly believe in food being a driving force in uniting people, building relationships and opening minds to new possibilities. That is why we are tapping into the power of food to guide our efforts and accelerate our actions to create impact for First Nations peoples and communities.
We will do this by focusing on three pillars: Community engagement and partnerships; Youth development; and Diversity and inclusion.
I have been inspired and humbled by what I have learnt so far from First Nations peoples in my role as Sponsor of Nestlé s Innovate RAP and I am looking forwarding to continuing the learning journey.
Andrew Lawrey
Diversity & Inclusion Sponsor
General Manager, Confectionery
With customers and employees all over the world, diversity and inclusion is a business imperative for us at Nestlé. Wherever we operate, we aim to build communities that are fair, sustainable and provide dignified livelihoods for all. This lies at the heart of formalising our commitment to deeper respect for First Nations peoples.
I am so proud to be the Diversity and Inclusion sponsor for Nestlé’s Innovate RAP. To deliver our vision, we have a dedicated team of employees responsible for the delivery of our RAP. Our people are guided by First Nations representatives to ensure our actions are both respectful and impactful.
In the spirit of reconciliation, we will collaborate with other food and beverage companies to drive industry-wide change. Our first step is to learn from each other and share ideas about how our industry can advance reconciliation.
It’s exciting to take the next step with our Innovate RAP and begin embedding reconciliation initiatives into all aspects of our business.
