Nestle says executive from botox maker Allergan to run skin care

[GENEVA] Nestle SA, the world's largest food company, replaced the head of its skin-care unit with an executive from Allergan Plc, the maker of the Botox anti-wrinkle treatment.

Paul Navarre, president of Allergan's international business, will succeed Humberto Antunes, Nestle Skin Health's chief executive, as of Nov 1, the Vevey, Switzerland-based company said in a statement Tuesday. Mr Navarre, a Frenchman, also previously worked 15 years at Procter & Gamble Co.

The maker of KitKat bars and Nespresso coffee has been beefing up its medical credentials to prove it's serious about transforming itself into a scientifically driven nutrition and health company.

Ulf Mark Schneider, the head of German health-care provider Fresenius SE, joined Nestle last month and will succeed Chief Executive Officer Paul Bulcke in January.

Mr Antunes decided to leave to pursue a "new direction" in his career, Nestle said.

Nestle Skin Health has an alliance with French drugmaker Ipsen SA to distribute Dysport, which competes with Botox.

BLOOMBERG