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BlueTriton Brands, formerly known as Nestlé Waters North America, has announced the appointment of Jorge Mesquita as its new CEO.

The former Nestlé Waters US and Canada operations adopted the name BlueTriton Brands earlier this year, after Nestlé completed its sale of the business. Newly appointed CEO Mesquita joins the company as it "embarks on growth and innovation initiatives as an independent business".

“Over the course of his long career in the consumer products industry, Jorge has developed an outstanding reputation as a strategic thinker and inspirational leader with a focus on operational excellence and a passion for re-energising businesses and brands,” said Tony Lee, managing partner of One Rock Capital Partners, which earlier this year acquired BlueTriton in partnership with Metropoulos & Co.

“We are thrilled to have the benefit of his experience and expertise as BlueTriton moves into its next exciting chapter.” 

Before joining BlueTriton, Mesquita served as executive vice president and worldwide chairman of Johnson & Johnson’s consumer division, where he revamped the marketing and commercial strategies for brands such as Johnson’s Baby and Neutrogena.

Prior to that, Mesquita spent nearly 30 years at The Procter & Gamble Company, where he led three separate divisions during his tenure. These included responsibility for overseeing the company’s largest business unit as P&G’s group president, global fabric care.

“A transformational leader with an impressive track record of driving game-changing innovation, building brands and delivering top- and bottom-line results, Jorge is the ideal executive to lead BlueTriton as we seek to expand our market leadership, advance our commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship, and realise the potential of our unrivalled portfolio of water brands,” said Dean Metropoulos, chairman and former interim CEO of BlueTriton.

Mesquita added: “The water category is primed for growth and innovation as more consumers seek healthy hydration alternatives to sugary drinks. With an exceptional portfolio of beloved brands, BlueTriton is well-positioned to capitalise on this tremendous market opportunity.”