Who Is Laurent Freixe, Recently Fired Nestlé CEO Over Workplace Relationship?

Nestlé has removed CEO Laurent Freixe after it was revealed he had an undisclosed romantic relationship with a direct subordinate. The Paris-born executive had spent nearly four decades rising through the company’s ranks. Nestlé has now appointed Philipp Navratil as its new chief.

In a move that caught many by surprise, the global food and beverage giant dismissed Freixe after just one year in the top role.

The company said an internal investigation found that the 63-year-old had breached Nestlé’s code of conduct by failing to disclose the relationship.

In his place, Nestlé has promoted Philipp Navratil, a long-serving executive and most recently head of Nespresso, as its new CEO.

Here’s a closer look at both leaders—and why this leadership shift is significant.

Who Exactly Is Laurent Freixe?

Laurent Freixe is deeply familiar with Nestlé. The Paris-born executive dedicated nearly 40 years to the company, holding senior roles across Europe and the Americas before becoming CEO in September 2024. He took over from Mark Schneider, who had stepped down under unclear circumstances.

Educated at the renowned École des Hautes Études Commerciales du Nord in Lille and later at Switzerland’s IMD Executive Development Program, Freixe laid a strong foundation for his corporate career. He joined Nestlé France in 1986 in marketing and sales, eventually rising to Head of the Nutrition Division in 1999.

Nestlé is replacing CEO Mark Schneider with longtime company veteran Laurent Freixe as it faces challenges in growing sales. Schneider steps down after eight years, during which he shifted Nestlé’s focus but struggled with recent performance. Freixe, who has been with

Nestlé… pic.twitter.com/b0tU9wUi5H

— Wall St Engine (@wallstengine) August 23, 2024

Freixe’s leadership path began with his appointment as CEO of Nestlé Hungary in 2003, followed by CEO of the Iberian Region in 2007. Just a year later, he joined Nestlé’s Executive Board as Executive Vice President for Zone Europe, before taking over the company’s largest market, Zone Americas, in 2014. After a global restructuring in 2022, he went on to lead Zone Latin America.

When he was appointed CEO last year, Nestlé praised him as a “natural leader.”

“At every stage of his career, he has played a key role in driving innovation and boosting performance across Nestlé’s value chain, helping to promote healthier lives and support the communities where we operate,” the company said at the time.

Among his notable initiatives was the Nestlé Needs YOUth program, launched in 2013. Still active today, the project focuses on providing career opportunities and skills training for people under 30, with the ambitious aim of reaching 10 million young people worldwide by 2030.

The Scandal That Closed His Chapter

Laurent Freixe’s time as Nestlé CEO ended abruptly after it was revealed he had a relationship with a direct subordinate, violating the company’s strict code of business conduct.

The investigation, overseen by Nestlé chair Paul Bulcke and lead independent director Pablo Isla, ultimately led to his dismissal. “This was a necessary decision. Nestlé’s values and governance are the strong foundation of our company. I thank Laurent for his many years of service,” Bulcke said in a statement.

The $238.6 billion food giant, best known for brands like KitKat and Nescafé, opened an internal investigation in late spring after receiving multiple complaints through its “Speak Up” system. According to the Financial Times, employees had raised concerns about potential conflicts of interest and favoritism.

At first, the company said its internal review had found the allegations to be “unsubstantiated.” However, as complaints continued, the board brought in external counsel to conduct a more thorough investigation. That second probe confirmed the claims, ultimately ending with Freixe’s resignation after just a year as CEO.

Freixe’s departure adds to what has already been a difficult year for Nestlé. In July, French authorities raided its offices over alleged unauthorized filtration practices in bottled mineral water. Earlier, the company was forced to recall frozen meals in the US due to contamination concerns—all while facing slowing sales across its core businesses.

Who Exactly Is Philipp Navratil, Nestlé’s New CEO?

Philipp Navratil has officially assumed the role of Chief Executive Officer at Nestlé, effective immediately.

A long-time company veteran, Navratil began his Nestlé career in 2001 and has since held leadership positions across Central America and Mexico. From 2013 to 2020, he spent seven years heading the company’s coffee and beverage division in Mexico.

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More recently, Navratil led global strategy and innovation for Nestlé’s flagship coffee brands, including Nescafé and Starbucks. He was named CEO of Nespresso in July 2024 and later joined Nestlé’s executive board in January 2025.

Following his appointment as CEO, Navratil released a brief statement: “I fully support the company’s strategic direction and the action plan designed to strengthen Nestlé’s performance.” He also vowed to “push the value creation plan with intensity.”