Nestle Dismisses CEO Laurent Freixe Due to Inappropriate Relationship with Employee
Written by Emily J. Thompson, Senior Investment Analyst
Updated: Sep 01 2025
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Source: SeekingAlpha
Nestlé Leadership Change
- New CEO Appointment: Philipp Navratil has been appointed as the new CEO of Nestlé, effective immediately, following the dismissal of Laurent Freixe.
- Reason for Dismissal: Freixe was ousted for failing to disclose a romantic relationship with a subordinate, which violated Nestlé's Code of Business Conduct.
Background on Laurent Freixe
- Tenure: Laurent Freixe had been in the CEO position for just over a year, having taken over from Mark Schneider on September 1, 2024.
- Company Response: An investigation into the matter is being conducted under the oversight of Chairman Paul Bulcke and Lead Independent Director Pablo Isla, with assistance from independent outside counsel.
Philipp Navratil's Profile
- Career at Nestlé: Navratil has been with Nestlé since 2001, starting as an internal auditor and progressing through various commercial roles.
- Executive Board Membership: He joined the Nestlé Executive Board on January 1, 2025, prior to his appointment as CEO.
Company Values and Governance
- Chairman's Statement: Paul Bulcke emphasized the importance of Nestlé's values and governance, stating that the decision to dismiss Freixe was necessary for maintaining the company's integrity. He expressed gratitude for Freixe's years of service.
About the author
Emily J. Thompson
Emily J. Thompson, a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) with 12 years in investment research, graduated with honors from the Wharton School. Specializing in industrial and technology stocks, she provides in-depth analysis for Intellectia’s earnings and market brief reports.
