People are central to Nestlé’s digital transformation strategy

People are central to Nestlé’s digital transformation strategy. At the Digital Transformation Conference London, Mehmet Sahinoglu, digital transformation and innovation lead UK&I at Nestlé, shone a fascinating light on the firm’s various transformation initiatives and how they support people-centric innovation at the world’s largest food and beverage company.

“People are the real enablers and drivers of any successful digital transformation,” Mehmet said. “It’s easy to be captivated by the latest advancements [in technology], however true successful transformation relies on people who embrace change.”

Putting people at the core of Nestlé’s digital transformation strategy

Nestlé’s digital transformation strategy is a bit like a box of chocolates – there’s something for everyone.

Its Virtuous Cycle framework focuses on creating efficiencies, driving sustainable growth, investing smartly and boosting market share, Mehmet said. “At the heart of our circle are consumers, people and teams. These are our greatest strength.”

Then there’s Nestlé’s House of Digital (HoD) strategy – another framework designed to connect people and accelerate the business’ digital transformation journey. It has four pillars:

• Connecting consumers to drive advanced preference and relevance by building trust, generating revenue and personalization at scale.
• Connecting consumers to increase, improve and optimize functions by integrating a seamless user experience.
• Connecting operations and processes to provide a Lean backbone.
• Connecting end-to-end goals.

At regional level, Nestlé runs a program called Future Ready Workforce. “This program is all about boosting our processes and employees,” said Mehmet. It has three building blocks – end-to-end process automation, functional artificial intelligence (AI) and everyday AI. There’s also the Everyday AI Program, which leverages the power of the community by thinking globally and acting locally to help people be more productive. 

Engaging, developing and enhancing employees

Nestlé’s Digital EXPress UK&I is a separate endeavor – one that aims to engage, develop and enhance the experience, motivation and skills of all employees, Mehmet said. “Digital EXPress emphasizes the pace and speed we need to remain relevant in a very competitive environment.” It works across four dimensions – acculturation, capabilities, ways of working and collaboration to “address people’s hearts, minds, hands and ears.”

Finally is Nestlé’s Digital Passport Program, which provides 20 entertaining videos about the four factors that accelerate digital transformation in the organization. These are Agile, data and AI, cybersecurity and digital user experience.

To conclude his keynote, Mehmet reiterated the importance of putting people at the center of digital transformation and change strategies.

Image credit: Nestlé

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