In a stunning development for the global food and beverage giant, Nestlé has dismissed its chief executive officer, Laurent Freixe, following an internal investigation into an undisclosed romantic relationship with a direct subordinate. The Swiss-based company confirmed that the situation violated its strict code of business conduct, leading to the immediate removal of the CEO from his role.
The decision, announced on September 1, 2025, marks the end of a four-decade career for Laurent Freixe Nestlé executive, who had only stepped into the chief executive role a year ago. His exit is the latest in a series of high-profile corporate leadership shake-ups across global industries triggered by misconduct investigations.
Nestlé Confirms Breach of Corporate Conduct
According to a formal statement, the investigation was led by Nestlé’s chair, Paul Bulcke, and lead independent director, Pablo Isla, with support from outside legal counsel. The findings revealed that Freixe’s relationship with a subordinate represented a clear breach of Nestlé’s code of conduct, which requires transparency and accountability in workplace relationships.
“This was a necessary decision,” Bulcke explained. “Nestlé’s values and governance are strong foundations of our company. I thank Laurent for his years of service.”
For Nestlé, a company renowned for household brands like KitKat, Häagen-Dazs, and Nespresso, protecting its corporate reputation and governance framework was non-negotiable.
Leadership Transition at Nestlé
To fill the leadership vacuum, the board has appointed Philipp Navratil as the new CEO. Navratil is regarded as a seasoned leader within Nestlé, having built a career spanning more than two decades across Latin America, Mexico, and most recently as head of Nespresso.
Bulcke praised the new chief executive, calling him “renowned for his dynamic presence” and a leader who “inspires teams and drives performance.” The board emphasized that despite the sudden leadership change, the company’s growth strategy and operational priorities remain unchanged.
Laurent Freixe’s Rise and Fall
Nestlé Laurent Freixe has long been considered one of the most influential executives in the multinational’s history. Over his 40-year tenure, he worked across multiple divisions and geographies, playing a critical role in the company’s expansion in emerging markets.
His appointment as CEO in September 2024 was seen as a continuation of stability after the departure of Mark Schneider, Nestlé’s previous chief executive. However, his tenure proved short-lived, ending with a dismissal that has sent ripples across the business world.
This case highlights growing scrutiny on corporate governance in multinational companies, particularly concerning personal relationships in the workplace. Similar controversies have recently unfolded at other corporations, including BP, which dismissed its CEO Bernard Looney in 2023 for failing to disclose relationships with colleagues.
What This Means for Nestlé and Investors
The departure of Laurent Freixe Nestlé CEO raises immediate questions about leadership stability and investor confidence. However, the swift appointment of Navratil suggests that the board was well-prepared to ensure continuity. Analysts expect short-term market reactions, but many believe that Nestlé’s strong brand portfolio and global reach will safeguard its long-term performance.
From an industry perspective, the dismissal reinforces the importance of transparent disclosure policies within multinational corporations. Investors and employees alike will closely watch how Nestlé rebuilds trust and manages its leadership transition in the coming months.
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