Nestlé, the world’s largest food and beverage company, is no stranger to global headlines. But on September 1, 2025, the Swiss-based multinational made waves for reasons beyond coffee, chocolate, or infant nutrition. Its CEO, Laurent Freixe, was abruptly dismissed after an internal investigation confirmed that he had failed to disclose a romantic relationship with a subordinate.
The dismissal marked a dramatic end to the career of a seasoned Nestlé executive who had been with the company for nearly four decades.
Early Life and Career at Nestlé
Laurent François Charles Freixe was born in April 1962 in Paris, France. A graduate of EDHEC Business School in Lille, he joined Nestlé in 1986 as a marketing trainee. Over the years, he rose steadily through the ranks, holding positions across sales, marketing, and nutrition.
By the late 1990s, Freixe had become a key figure in Nestlé France, eventually leading the Nutrition Division. His success in Western Europe paved the way for his appointment as CEO of Nestlé Hungary in 2003, and later as head of the Iberian region (Spain and Portugal) in 2007.
In 2008, he was named Executive Vice President for Zone Europe, a role in which he guided the company through the global financial crisis with resilience. By 2014, he had crossed the Atlantic to lead Zone Americas, overseeing operations in the U.S., Canada, Latin America, and the Caribbean.
Appointment as Nestlé CEO
In September 2024, after nearly 40 years of service, Freixe was appointed CEO of Nestlé S.A., succeeding Ulf Mark Schneider. His vision was clear:
- Refocus on Nestlé’s core brands such as Nescafé, KitKat, and Maggi.
- Drive innovation rather than rely heavily on acquisitions.
- Improve productivity and operational efficiency.
- Restore consumer trust by reintroducing the “60/40” standard — ensuring products were both nutritionally balanced and preferred in taste tests.
Freixe was widely seen as a “company man,” steeped in Nestlé’s culture and values, and trusted to lead the brand into a new era of growth.
Contributions and Leadership
Beyond business strategy, Freixe was known for championing youth employment and corporate responsibility. He spearheaded the “Nestlé Needs YOUth” initiative, aimed at tackling youth unemployment through apprenticeships, training, and mentorship programs worldwide.
He also represented Nestlé in global business organizations such as the World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD) and the European Round Table for Industry (ERT). His leadership style was described as inclusive, steady, and deeply aligned with Nestlé’s long-term outlook.
The Controversy
In early 2025, Nestlé’s internal “Speak Up” hotline received anonymous reports alleging that Freixe was in a romantic relationship with a subordinate. While consensual, the relationship was never disclosed — a violation of the company’s strict code of conduct, which requires executives to declare potential conflicts of interest.
An initial probe yielded little evidence. However, further investigation, led by Nestlé Chairman Paul Bulcke and Independent Director Pablo Isla with external counsel, confirmed the allegations.
On September 1, 2025, just one year into his role as CEO, Freixe was dismissed without severance, a move the board described as “necessary to protect Nestlé’s values and governance standards.”
Succession and the Future of Nestlé
Nestlé moved quickly to fill the leadership vacuum. Philipp Navratil, former CEO of Nespresso and a company veteran since 2001, was appointed as the new CEO. Known for his deep expertise in coffee and global markets, Navratil is now tasked with stabilizing the company, boosting performance, and restoring confidence in Nestlé’s leadership.
The transition comes at a delicate time. Nestlé has faced slowing growth, consumer skepticism about processed foods, and increasing competition from agile startups offering healthier alternatives. The company is also under pressure to demonstrate transparency and strong governance.
Lessons from Freixe’s Fall
Freixe’s dismissal underscores a broader trend in global corporate governance: leaders are being held to higher ethical standards, and personal misconduct — even in private matters — can quickly end distinguished careers.
For Nestlé, the episode is a cautionary tale about leadership accountability. For the business world, it is another reminder that corporate culture and personal integrity are inseparable at the top levels of management.
Conclusion
Laurent Freixe’s journey at Nestlé was one of remarkable dedication, spanning nearly four decades of service across continents. His abrupt exit may overshadow his achievements, but his story is also one of transition: a company navigating the balance between tradition and modern corporate governance, between growth and ethics.
As Nestlé moves forward under Philipp Navratil, the world will watch closely to see if the food giant can turn this chapter of scandal into one of renewal.
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