CBE award for former Nestlé UK Chairman

Former Chairman of Nestlé UK, Alastair Sykes, has been awarded a CBE in the New Year’s Honours List 2011 for services to the food industry.

The CBE honours – Commander of the Order of the British Empire – are part of the British honours which are awarded on merit, for exceptional achievement or service by her Royal Highness Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II; at New Year and in mid-June on the date of the Queen’s official birthday.

As Chairman and Chief Executive from 2001 to 2008, Mr Sykes led Nestlé UK through a period of sustained investment and growth. He continued as Chairman until his retirement in December 2009.

Under his leadership, Nestlé UK addressed the key issues of corporate responsibility faced by the food industry including making products healthier, communicating openly and transparently to consumers and improving the company’s environmental performance.

In addition, in focusing on Nestlé UK’s long-standing commitment to the community, Mr Sykes created Make Space, a campaign in partnership with UK children’s charity 4Children.

Established together with Ann Longfield, 4Children Chief Executive, Make Space was launched in 2002. It has established a network of over 1,200 out of school clubs for teenagers providing safe places to go and after-school activities.

Mr Sykes was also elected as President of the IGD – the principal industry association for food retailers, manufacturers and suppliers. His achievements in the role included leading a pan-industry initiative to substantially reduce food miles in the UK.

The Honours consist of life peerages, knighthoods, appointments to the Order of the British Empire (OBE) and gallantry awards to servicemen and women and civilians.