Former Nestle CEO Laurent Freixe, in the company's headquarters, applauds during an event in Vevey, Switzerland, Thursday, Sept. 18, 2014. Image Credit: Laurent Gillieron/AP
(The Post News) – Nestlé announced that they terminated Laurent Freixe’s contract after an investigation revealed that he had been having an undisclosed romantic relationship with a direct subordinate, a violation of the company’s Code of Business Conduct.
On Monday, Nestlé released a press release confirming that an internal investigation was performed on the Swiss company leader. The probe, led by senior executives alongside outside counsel, concluded that Freixe had a relationship that breached the company’s values and governance policies. As a result, Philipp Navratil, CEO of Nespresso, was appointed as Freixe’s immediate successor.
Chairman Paul Bulcke thanked Freixe for his year of service in his post and added, “This was a necessary decision,” emphasizing that Nestlé’s governance and values are foundational to its operations. Prior to becoming CEO in August 2024, Freixe had spent almost 40 years with the company, holding different positions in the company across the world. He became CEO after Mark Schneider resigned from his post amid complaints and challenges with sales performance.
Navratil’s Path to Nestlé Leadership
Navratil first joined the company as an internal auditor in 2001, rising through the ranks in his 24 years due to his extensive knowledge of Nestlé’s operations. He held various commercial roles and management roles across Central America; however, over the past four years, he took charge of the business front.
He led global strategy and innovation for both Nescafé and Starbucks coffee brands, subsequently leading Nespresso before joining Nestlé’s Executive Board on January 1, 2025. Accepting his new position, Navratil expressed that he is “honored” by the Board’s confidence in him and is privileged to lead Nestlé forward into the future.
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