Nestlé has eliminated its Chief Executive Officer, Laurent Freixe, after an inner probe discovered that he did not disclose a romantic relationship with a subordinate, a violation of the corporate’s code of conduct.
The Swiss meals big introduced the choice on Monday, September 1, 2025, saying the transfer was obligatory to guard its governance requirements and company values.
Nestlé’s board, led by Chairman Paul Bulcke and Lead Independent Director Pablo Isla, carried out the inquiry with help from exterior authorized advisers.
In a press release, Bulcke mentioned the choice was “regrettable but essential,” including: “Nestlé’s values and governance are the strong foundations of our company. I thank Laurent for his many years of service.”
Freixe, a Nestlé veteran, had been within the prime job for lower than a yr, taking on in September 2024 after the departure of his predecessor.
He beforehand held senior positions throughout Latin America and North America throughout his decades-long profession on the firm.
The board has appointed Philipp Navratil as the brand new CEO, efficient instantly.
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Navratil, who joined Nestlé in 2001, has led the group’s espresso enterprise, together with Nespresso, and have become a member of the chief board earlier this yr.
Industry analysts famous that the shake-up highlights the strict moral requirements Nestlé applies to senior administration.
The firm emphasised that the undisclosed relationship raised problems with belief and conflicts of curiosity, making Freixe’s continued management untenable.
Nestlé, one of many world’s largest meals and beverage firms, has confronted scrutiny lately over provide chain sustainability, pricing, and governance.
The management change marks one in every of its most important company disruptions in a decade.
