Dame Fiona Kendrick will be standing down as Chairman of Nestle UK & Ireland at the end of 2018.
She joined the food giant in 1980 and has held a number of senior roles in the UK and overseas.
She has served as UK & Ireland Chairman since 2012 and was CEO of the business between 2012 and 2017 – a role now filled by Stefano Agostini.
Commenting on departure from Nestlé, Dame Fiona said: “I have had an amazing career over the past 40 years and worked with extraordinary people who share my passion for the food and drink industry. Now it is time for me to do something else while maintaining my interest in skills and young people.
“For me, the future is about continuing to be involved in the things I love while finding more time to enjoy my wonderful family and, in particular, my beautiful grandsons”, she added.
She will continue to sit on the Food and Drink Sector Council