Swiss food giant Nestlé has fired its chief executive, Laurent Freixe, after an investigation into an undisclosed relationship with an employee.
The maker of Nescafé drinks and Purina pet food said in a statement that the dismissal was effective immediately.
Freixe reportedly had an undisclosed romantic relationship with an employee, which violates Nestlé’s code of conduct.
Freixe had only served as CEO for a year, but chairman Paul Bulcke said it was a ‘necessary’ decision to fire him.
Bulcke added: ‘Nestle’s values and governance are strong foundations of our company.’
Freixe had been with Nestlé since 1986, holding roles around the world.
In August 2024, he was tapped to replace then-chief executive Mark Schneider in the top role.
Is Laurent Freixe married?
Freixe’s marital status is currently unknown, but one doesn’t have to be married to have an affair.
In business, an affair simply consists of two people having a sexual relationship – but one of them is normally married or in a relationship.
The person Freixe had an affair with is currently not known.
Who is replacing Laurent Freixe as Nestlé CEO?
Freixe will soon be replaced by Philipp Navratil, who has worked at Nestlé for more than 20 years.
‘I fully embrace the company’s strategic direction, as well as the action plan in place to drive Nestlé’s performance,’ he said.
Freixe’s firing is the latest in a string of personnel changes for the company.
In June, Bulcke, a former chief executive who has been chairman of the board since 2017, said he would not stand for re-election in 2026.
And in April, Steve Presley, an executive vice president and chief executive of Zone Americas, said he was retiring after almost 30 years of service.
Based in Vevey, Switzerland, Nestlé has been facing headwinds like other food makers, including rising commodity costs and the negative impact of tariffs.
It said in July it offset higher coffee and cocoa-related costs with price increases.
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