Nestle's Asia chief quits just ahead of opening at Unilever for CEO post

Nestle's highest-ranking executive in Asia, Wan Ling Martello, is planning to take on a new job rather than retiring

Nestle SA's highest-ranking executive in Asia is leaving the Swiss food giant just as the top job at rival Unilever is set to open up.     

Wan Ling Martello, 60, is leaving at the end of this year to explore new opportunities and will be replaced by Chris Johnson, the Vevey, Switzerland-based company said Thursday. The shift comes as Unilever, the Anglo-Dutch maker of Dove soap and Ben & Jerry's ice cream, comes up on a year looking for a replacement for Chief Executive Officer Paul Polman, sparking speculation Martello may be trying to line up that job.