Nestlé Berhad is delighted to announce the appointment of Raja Nurmaria Murni Raja Nur Azmi as Executive Director, Group Corporate Affairs for Malaysia and Singapore. This significant leadership transition comes as she takes over the reins from Dato’ Adnan Pawanteh, who retired at the end of November 2024. Dato’ Adnan’s departure marks the conclusion of an illustrious 40-year career with the company, during which he made invaluable contributions to Nestlé’s growth and reputation.
Murni brings an impressive track record of over a decade with Nestlé, showcasing her expertise and dedication in various capacities. She joined the company in 2011 as Media & Advertising Manager, where she played a pivotal role in overseeing media strategies and execution across all Nestlé brands in Malaysia. Her efforts in this position ensured the brands’ visibility and relevance in an increasingly competitive market. Her strong performance led to her appointment as MILO Senior Brand Manager in 2015. In this role, she was instrumental in driving MILO’s market leadership, leveraging innovative marketing campaigns and consumer engagement strategies to strengthen the brand’s dominance in Malaysia.
Her career trajectory continued to ascend when she became Consumer Marketing Manager, where she further contributed to the brand’s success. Recognized for her strategic thinking and leadership capabilities, Murni was assigned to Nestlé S.A.’s headquarters in Vevey, Switzerland, in 2021. There, she took on the role of Global Brand Manager for Plant-based Beverages within the Dairy Strategic Business Unit. This position was a testament to her ability to manage and innovate in emerging categories. Her work at the global level played a significant role in shaping strategies and fostering growth for plant-based beverages, a category with increasing consumer demand worldwide.
Most recently, Murni served as the Global Brand Lead for MILO and NESCAU. In this capacity, she spearheaded global strategies that prioritized sustainability-focused communication and innovation initiatives. Her leadership was pivotal in aligning these iconic brands with evolving consumer expectations, emphasizing environmental responsibility while maintaining their core brand values. Her contributions in this role showcased her ability to think globally while maintaining a deep understanding of local markets.
Murni’s journey with Nestlé highlights her exceptional leadership, brand management expertise, and her knack for navigating complex and dynamic markets. Her diverse experience across local, regional, and global roles has equipped her with a unique perspective, making her ideally suited to lead the Group Corporate Affairs function for Malaysia and Singapore. In her new role, Murni will oversee corporate communications, stakeholder engagement, and sustainability initiatives, ensuring that Nestlé continues to uphold its reputation as a leading global food and beverage company.
Nestlé Malaysia has expressed its deepest gratitude to Dato’ Adnan Pawanteh for his decades of dedicated service. Over his remarkable 40-year tenure, Dato’ Adnan played a crucial role in driving the company’s success and fostering strong relationships with stakeholders. His leadership and vision have left an indelible mark on the organization, and his legacy will continue to inspire future leaders.
As Murni assumes her new responsibilities, Nestlé Malaysia is confident in her ability to build on the strong foundation laid by her predecessor. Her return to Malaysia represents not only a homecoming but also an opportunity to bring her global insights and experiences to bear on local and regional challenges. Under her leadership, the Group Corporate Affairs team is poised to achieve new milestones, further strengthening Nestlé’s position as a trusted and innovative company committed to enhancing the quality of life and contributing to a healthier future.
Nestlé’s commitment to nurturing talent and promoting leadership diversity is exemplified in Murni’s appointment. Her ascent to this pivotal role underscores the company’s dedication to recognizing and cultivating talent within its ranks. With Murni at the helm of Group Corporate Affairs, Nestlé Malaysia and Singapore are well-positioned to navigate the evolving landscape of corporate communications, sustainability, and stakeholder engagement.
As the company looks to the future, it remains steadfast in its mission to deliver high-quality products while making a positive impact on society and the environment. With Murni’s proven expertise and leadership, Nestlé Malaysia is confident in its ability to continue driving innovation, fostering trust, and achieving sustainable growth in the years ahead.
