Nestlé Dismisses CEO Freixe Over Undisclosed Workplace Romance, Philipp Navratil Named Successor

Nestlé has abruptly dismissed CEO Laurent Freixe following an investigation into an undisclosed romantic relationship with a direct subordinate, which breached the company's code of business conduct. The investigation was overseen by Chairman Paul Bulcke and Lead Independent Director Pablo Isla, with support from outside counsel. Philipp Navratil, a long-time Nestlé executive and current Nespresso CEO, was appointed as Freixe's immediate successor. Freixe had taken over as CEO just one year ago after Mark Schneider's departure. Chairman Bulcke emphasized that the decision was necessary to uphold Nestlé's values and governance, assuring that the company’s strategy and performance pace would remain unchanged despite the leadership change. This sudden exit adds to a series of management reshuffles across global consumer goods companies in 2025.