Magdi Batato

Experience & Background

Batato started his career four decades ago as a lecturer at EPFL and then as a consultant in energy and environmental matters, prior to holding top executive positions over 32 years at Nestlé – he believes that leadership is not about status or position; it is about driving action for a desired outcome. 

Having followers to help on this journey is paramount, he says. “Practical experience avoids making the same mistakes twice. Some businesses have paid dearly for applying theory instead of understanding the tailor-made process to a specific situation. Combining both is clearly an asset in a volatile world where flexibility and speed are key.” 

Batato is on the supervisory board at Carlsberg as well as being a member of the audit and remuneration committees and member of the sustainability advisory council. He has an independent non-executive view of shareholders. 

As chair of a non-for-profit organization – IDH, based in Utrecht (NL) – he specialized in transforming markets for better jobs, better income, and a better environment, targeting agri-based commodities and farmers. As a result, he also incorporates a more “progressive” view of sustainable operations. 

Expertise & Interests

ESG,  Procurement, Manufacturing and Supply Chain, Leadership, Performance-Driven Culture, Digital, Agility. 

Contributions to IMD

IMD is close to Batato’s heart, having attended multiple courses, including what was then known as the PED program. As an IMD alumni, he has had the opportunity to interact extensively with peers and members of the IMD faculty.