Nestle USA President and COO Resigns

Glendale-based food and beverage giant Nestle USA said that its president and chief operating officer, Robert W. Schult, has resigned after 27 years with the company. Schult, 50, stepped down last week, according to Nestle officials, because he didn’t want to move his family overseas, which was a requirement of remaining in upper management. He will not be replaced. Instead, Chairman and Chief Executive Joe Weller will assume his responsibilities. Schult could not be reached for comment, but said in an internal announcement that he is leaving Nestle to pursue other opportunities that he will announce in coming weeks. Schult moved up through the ranks of the company, starting as a management trainee at Los Angeles-based Carnation Co. Schult was elected a member of the board of Times Mirror Co. in 1998. Nestle USA, which makes such brands as Nestle, Stouffer’s, Nestea, Ortega, Hills Bros. and Friskies, is owned by Nestle of Vevey, Switzerland, the world’s largest food company.