- Nestlé has dismissed its global CEO Laurent Freixe after an internal investigation revealed he failed to disclose a romantic relationship with a direct subordinate.
- The inquiry, triggered by a whistleblower report, concluded that the relationship posed a conflict of interest and violated company policy.
- Freixe, who had served as CEO for just one year, will be replaced by Philipp Navratil, formerly head of Nestlé’s Nespresso division.
- The company says its strategic direction remains unchanged.
Nestlé has removed its chief executive, Laurent Freixe, from his position following an internal investigation into a workplace relationship that breached the company’s code of conduct.
The Swiss multinational confirmed the dismissal on September 1, 2025, stating that Freixe failed to disclose a romantic relationship with a direct subordinate — a violation of Nestlé’s governance standards. The probe was initiated after a whistleblower report and led by the company’s chair and lead independent director, with support from external counsel.
Freixe had only held the top role for a year, having succeeded Mark Schneider in September 2024. His nearly four-decade career at Nestlé included leadership roles across Europe and Latin America. Despite his long tenure, the company said the decision was necessary to uphold its values and maintain trust in its leadership.
Philipp Navratil, a veteran executive who previously led Nestlé’s Nespresso division, has been appointed as Freixe’s successor. The board emphasized that the company’s strategy and performance goals remain intact.
Nestlé’s swift action underscores a growing trend among global corporations to enforce stricter standards around workplace relationships, especially those involving power imbalances. The company has confirmed that Freixe will not receive a severance package.
