Nestlé has removed its Chief Executive Officer, Laurent Freixe, after an internal probe found that he failed to disclose a romantic relationship with a subordinate, a violation of the company’s code of conduct.
The Swiss food giant announced the decision on Monday, September 1, 2025, saying the move was necessary to protect its governance standards and corporate values.
Nestlé’s board, led by Chairman Paul Bulcke and Lead Independent Director Pablo Isla, conducted the inquiry with support from external legal advisers.
In a statement, Bulcke said the decision was “regrettable but essential,” adding: “Nestlé’s values and governance are the strong foundations of our company. I thank Laurent for his many years of service.”
Freixe, a Nestlé veteran, had been in the top job for less than a year, taking over in September 2024 after the departure of his predecessor.
He previously held senior positions across Latin America and North America during his decades-long career at the company.
The board has appointed Philipp Navratil as the new CEO, effective immediately.
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Navratil, who joined Nestlé in 2001, has led the group’s coffee business, including Nespresso, and became a member of the executive board earlier this year.
Industry analysts noted that the shake-up highlights the strict ethical standards Nestlé applies to senior management.
The company emphasized that the undisclosed relationship raised issues of trust and conflicts of interest, making Freixe’s continued leadership untenable.
Nestlé, one of the world’s largest food and beverage companies, has faced scrutiny in recent years over supply chain sustainability, pricing, and governance.
The leadership change marks one of its most significant corporate disruptions in a decade.