Nestlé Fires CEO Laurent Freixe After Internal Probe Into Relationship With Subordinate

Nestlé has dismissed Chief Executive Laurent Freixe following the outcome of an internal investigation, which revealed he had not disclosed a relationship with a subordinate. The company confirmed that Philipp Navratil, a long-serving executive, will assume the role of CEO.

The board of directors ordered an inquiry into Freixe’s conduct after concerns were raised internally, reported India Today. According to the company, the investigation, overseen by Chairman Paul Bulcke and lead independent director Pablo Isla with the assistance of external legal advisers, concluded that Freixe had engaged in a romantic relationship with a direct subordinate. Nestlé said the omission constituted a clear breach of its code of business conduct.

“This was a necessary decision,” Chairman Paul Bulcke said in a statement, stressing that Nestlé’s governance and ethical standards remain non-negotiable. “Nestlé's values and governance are strong foundations of our company,” he added.