Nestlé ousts CEO Laurent Freixe after code-of-conduct breach; Philipp Navratil named successor

Nestlé has abruptly ousted its CEO, Laurent Freixe, after an internal investigation revealed he had an undisclosed romantic relationship with a subordinate, which violated the company’s code of business conduct. The board’s decision was immediate and came less than a year after Freixe took on the role of CEO. As a result of the breach, he will not receive an exit package.

The company has appointed Philipp Navratil as the new CEO, effective immediately. Navratil is a longtime Nestlé veteran who previously served as the head of the Nespresso business and joined the executive board in January 2025. According to Nestlé Chairman Paul Bulcke, the leadership change will not alter the company’s strategic direction or pace of performance.

Key Highlights:

• CEO Ousted: Nestlé has dismissed its CEO, Laurent Freixe, with immediate effect after an internal investigation uncovered a romantic relationship with a subordinate, a direct violation of the company’s code of conduct.
• Successor Appointed: Philipp Navratil, a company veteran with extensive experience in Nestlé’s coffee business, has been named the new CEO.
• Strategic Continuity: The company’s chairman, Paul Bulcke, stated that the leadership change will not affect Nestlé’s overall strategy, and the focus remains on driving growth and efficiency.