Nestle Suisse Plans Global Masterstroke.

Nestle Suisse plans to substantially increase export and duty-free sales of its nearly 200-year-old CAILLER chocolate brand

Alexander Jost's intense, no-nonsense manner belies his personal fondness for Italian opera -- particularly the flowing, graceful melodies of his favorite composer, Vincenzo Bellini.

"I find it relaxing and soothing ... just like chocolate!" Jost admits.

It is his first departure from the task at hand -- communicating the multi-faceted missions he plans to accomplish at Nestle Suisse SA in the immediate future. Jost, the recently appointed General Manager of Nestle Suisse, is somewhat reserved when speaking about himself. However, when he discusses plans for Nestle Suisse, Jost doesn't hold back. His answers are direct, focused and passionate.

And for good reason. A Nestle manager for nearly 30 years, Jost is looking to make Nestle Suisse a model of operating efficiency, product innovation, aggressive globalexpansion and strategic media communication. It's a tall order, and particularly when one considers the kind of fishbowl scrutiny Jost undoubtedly receives from the neighboring Nestle SA headquarters. So it's not surprising that he goes to the opera to relax.

But after spending just one hour with the dynamic Nestle veteran, most observers understand why Jost was given the responsibility: He obviously enjoys the challenge. With a handshake as firm as his command of the English, French, German, Italian, Swedish and Japanese languages, Jost practically leaps out of his chair each time he wishes to illustrate an idea with a visual image. And although he was named Nestle Suisse General Manager just a few short months ago, things are already beginning to change fundamentally at Nestle Suisse SA.

Founder of Nestle Chocolate and the leading branded chocolate manufacturer in Switzerland, Nestle Suisse is based in the picturesque, sleepy town of French-speaking Vevey on the shores of Lake Geneva. The historical office headquarters blend gracefully into the surrounding landscape, which includes a medieval castle, and charming cobblestone streets adorned with traditional Swiss clapboard houses, shops, and cafes. The lulling atmosphere could easily deceive one into thinking that the Nestle Suisse culture is just as relaxed as the town around it. …