- Lorenzo Vigano is appointed managing director, Nestlé Professional UK & Ireland, effective 1 January 2026.
- Katya Simmons is appointed managing director, Coffee Nestlé UK & Ireland, effective 1 January 2026.
Nestlé UK & Ireland is pleased to announce several appointments to its UK senior leadership team.
Lorenzo Vigano has been appointed managing director of Nestlé Professional UK & Ireland, effective 1 January 2026. He takes over from Katya Simmons, who moves to lead Nestlé’s Coffee UK & Ireland division, also effective 1 January 2026.
Vigano most recently served as managing director of Nestlé Professional Turkey and brings with him a wealth of experience in the out of home world, having joined Nestlé Italiana in 2012 to lead the Nestlé Professional Super Premium Beverage division. In 2013, he was appointed managing director Nestlé Professional Italy and managed the successful turn-around of the business, reshaping the organisation’s portfolio.
In 2015, Vigano was appointed head of beverages Nestlé Professional Europe (later EMENA) where he transformed the Beverage business across the region, actively working to build the global Coffee business strategy.
In 2023, Vigano became managing director of Nestlé Professional Turkey, rapidly growing the business to become the 10th largest Nestlé Professional market.
He 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.”
Katya Simmons, who was most recently managing director, Nestlé Professional UK & Ireland, has been appointed managing director for Coffee at Nestlé UK & Ireland, effective 1 January 2026.
Simmons’ career began in Nestlé Russia in 2002, where she held several sales and commercial development team Confectionery assignments, before moving to marketing in 2010.
Simmons 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, Simmons moved to the UK, becoming business effectiveness manager at Nestlé Professional UK & Ireland. In 2018 she assumed her position of managing director Nestlé Professional UK & Ireland, which she held for more than seven years.
The company praised Simmons for her leadership style, commitment to building an inclusive culture, 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”
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