Nestlé CEO dismissed over undisclosed relationship with employee

Swiss food giant Nestlé has dismissed Chief Executive Officer Laurent Freixe after just one year in the role, following an investigation into an undisclosed romantic relationship with a direct subordinate.

The company said the decision, which was effective immediately, came after an external inquiry overseen by Nestlé Chair Paul Bulcke and independent director Pablo Isla. The investigation was triggered by a report made through the firm’s whistleblowing channel.

“This was a necessary decision. Nestlé’s values and governance are strong foundations of our company. I thank Laurent for his years of service at Nestlé,” Mr Bulcke said.

A 40-year career ends abruptly

Mr Freixe had been with Nestlé since 1986, building a nearly 40-year career across global roles, most recently serving as CEO of Zone Latin America before being appointed global CEO in September 2024.

The BBC and the Financial Times reported that concerns over his relationship had surfaced earlier this year. An initial internal investigation found the claims unsubstantiated, but a second review – carried out with the support of outside counsel – upheld the allegations.

Nestlé confirmed that Mr Freixe will not receive an exit package.

Mr Freixe will be succeeded by Philipp Navratil, a Nestlé veteran who joined the company in 2001 as an internal auditor. Mr Navratil has held several roles in Central America and more recently served as CEO of Nestlé’s Nespresso division.

Mr Bulcke emphasised that the leadership change would not affect the company’s strategic priorities: “We are not changing course on strategy and we will not lose pace on performance.”

Mr Bulcke himself is set to step down as chair next year, with Pablo Isla – best known for leading Zara-owner Inditex – proposed as his successor.