Nestle has abruptly dismissed its Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Laurent Freixe, for failing to disclose a romantic relationship with a subordinate.
Nestle, maker of products ranging from KitKat to Nesquik, said that it had appointed veteran insider Philipp Navratil, who had headed the Nespresso coffee unit, as Freixe’s successor with immediate effect.
The shock departure threatens more volatility for Nestle amid a tough consumer environment and the disruptive United States trade tariffs.
The company said Freixe’s departure on Monday, September 1, 2025, follows an investigation overseen by Chairman Paul Bulcke and Lead Independent Director Pablo Isla into an undisclosed romantic relationship with a direct subordinate, which breached the company’s code of business conduct.
FG hails Finnish Court for Simon Ekpa’s terrorism trial, conviction
“This was a necessary decision. Nestle’s values and governance are strong foundations of our company. I thank Laurent for his years of service,” Bulcke said in a statement.
The firm announced in June that Bulcke, its long-standing chairman, would stand down next year.
Stay ahead with the latest updates! Join The ConclaveNG on WhatsApp and Telegram for real-time news alerts, breaking stories, and exclusive content delivered straight to your phone. Don’t miss a headline — subscribe now!
, Laurent Freixe, for failing to disclose a romantic relationship with a subordinate.){kind=link}