Nestlé Waters sustainability advocate, former CEO Kim Jeffery to speak at Smeal

Former CEO and chairman of Nestlé Waters North America Inc. Kim Jeffery will share his perspectives on business, leadership and sustainability with the Penn State Smeal College of Business on Friday, April 4, as part of the college’s Executive Insights series.

As part of his visit, Jeffery will take part in a moderated discussion with Charles H. Whiteman, John and Becky Surma Dean of Smeal, from 11:15 a.m. to 12:05 p.m. in the Struthers Auditorium, room 110 of the Business Building on the University Park campus of Penn State. The event is free and open to the public, but online registration is required at www.smeal.psu.edu/insights.

Jeffery joined Nestlé Waters North America in 1978 as central division sales manager. Over the coming years, he rose through positions in sales, marketing and operations to eventually become executive vice president and chief operating officer. In 1992, he was named president and chief executive officer.

Under Jeffery’s leadership, Nestlé Waters North America developed into the leading bottled water company in America. Throughout his career, he demonstrated a commitment to sustainability through a partnership with the Nature Conservancy and leadership on the recycling task force of the American Beverage Association.

In 2013, Jeffery stepped down from his position as president and CEO to become chairman of the company, where he remained actively involved in recycling and sustainability activities, through February.

Nestlé Waters is the leading bottled water company in North America and holds seven of the top 10 U.S. brands, including Poland Spring, Arrowhead, Deer Park, Ice Mountain, Ozarka, Zephyrhills and Nestle Pure Life. The company is committed to sustainability through responsible water management, lightweight packaging and advanced recycling in America.

Executive Insights is designed to complement the Smeal educational experience by bringing high-profile business leaders to the college to connect with students, faculty, staff, and administrators. Past guests include more than 25 leaders from organizations such as Boeing, Dell, Deloitte, Johnson & Johnson, Kohl’s, KPMG, Procter & Gamble, Samsung, Siemens, Verizon and Tumi Holdings, Inc.