Nestlé has dismissed its CEO, Laurent Freixe, after confirming he maintained a relationship with an employee, in violation of the company’s code of business conduct. The decision comes just one year after he took the helm of the Swiss food giant. Concerns about a possible relationship first surfaced in the spring through the company’s internal reporting line, a spokesperson told Reuters. The board launched an initial inquiry, which was deemed insufficient. A second investigation, overseen by the chairman and CEO with support from an external firm, confirmed the relationship.
Freixe had initially denied the allegations when confronted by the board, the spokesperson added.
Philipp Navratil, a veteran Nestlé executive and former head of Nespresso, has been appointed as Freixe’s successor. His sudden promotion aims to steady the company during a turbulent period, with Nestlé also facing U.S. tariffs.
“This was a necessary decision,” said Nestlé chairman Paul Bulcke. “Our values and governance are the strong foundations of our company. I thank Laurent for his years of service.”
Freixe’s removal follows the departure of his predecessor, Mark Schneider, exactly one year earlier—raising questions about Nestlé’s leadership stability. However, the company stressed that its strategy and goals remain unchanged.
According to Nestlé, Freixe will not receive compensation.
