Swiss food and beverage multinational Nestlé announced Monday that it has terminated CEO Laurent Freixe following an internal investigation into an undisclosed relationship with a direct subordinate.
The company, known for brands such as Nescafé and Purina, said the dismissal took immediate effect after the probe determined that Freixe’s conduct violated Nestlé’s code of ethics. No further details about the investigation were disclosed. Freixe, who had served as CEO for just one year, will be succeeded by Philipp Navratil, a veteran Nestlé executive.
“This was a necessary decision,” Chairman Paul Bulcke said in a statement. “Nestlé’s values and governance remain the strong foundations of our company.”
Freixe joined Nestlé in 1986 and built a decades-long career across various international markets. He became CEO of Zone Latin America in 2022 before being appointed group CEO in August 2024, officially assuming the role that September.
Navratil began his career with Nestlé in 2001 as an internal auditor, later holding senior roles in Central America and within the Coffee Strategic Business Unit. He most recently served as CEO of the company’s Nespresso division.
The leadership shake-up adds to a series of senior transitions at the Swiss giant. In April, Steve Presley, CEO of Zone Americas, announced his retirement after nearly three decades. And in June, Bulcke confirmed he would not seek reelection as chairman in 2026.
Nestlé, headquartered in Vevey, has faced mounting pressures common across the food sector, including rising commodity prices and tariffs. In July, the company said it offset higher costs for coffee and cocoa through price increases.
