Nestlé Fires CEO After Discovering Amorous Ties with Subordinate

Nestlé dismissed CEO Laurent Freixe after an investigation revealed an undisclosed relationship with a direct subordinate, the Associated Press (AP) reported.

Freixe, with Nestlé since 1986, had been CEO for just one year. (© Muto / William Gammuto, Nestle Flickr) 

The Swiss food giant said the decision, effective immediately, followed a breach of its code of conduct.

Freixe, with Nestlé since 1986, had been CEO for just one year after succeeding Mark Schneider in September 2024. Chairman Paul Bulcke called the decision “necessary,” saying the company’s values and governance must remain its foundation.

Philipp Navratil, a Nestlé veteran who most recently led its Nespresso division, was appointed as Freixe’s successor. He joined Nestlé in 2001 and has held leadership roles across Central America and the Coffee Strategic Business Unit.

The shake-up adds to recent turnover at the company: Bulcke announced in June he would not stand for reelection in 2026, and in April, longtime executive Steve Presley said he would retire after nearly 30 years.