Who is Laurent Freixe? Nestlé CEO fired over undisclosed workplace relationship

Nestlé announced on Monday the immediate dismissal of CEO Laurent Freixe after an undisclosed romantic relationship with a direct subordinate was discovered. An internal investigation concluded that the relationship violated the company’s code of business conduct. Nestlé’s Board of Directors appointed Philipp Navratil as CEO, effective immediately.

The probe was launched after allegations surfaced through Nestlé’s “Speak Up” system. It was led by Chairman Paul Bulcke and Lead Independent Director Pablo Isla, with support from independent legal counsel. The investigation confirmed the relationship breached Nestlé’s code of business conduct.

Nestlé has not disclosed the subordinate’s identity, citing privacy concerns. Bulcke emphasized that the leadership change will not affect the company’s strategic direction, stating: “We are not changing course on strategy and will not lose pace on performance.”

The case highlights a broader corporate issue: managing personal relationships at the executive level while maintaining ethical standards, regardless of tenure or achievements.

Born in 1962, Freixe joined Nestlé France in 1986 in sales and marketing. He steadily rose through the ranks:

During his tenure, Freixe launched initiatives like Nestlé Needs YOUth, a youth employment program aiming to provide skills and opportunities to 10 million young people by 2030.

Freixe holds a business administration degree from EDHEC Business School, Lille, France, and completed the IMD Program for Executive Development in Switzerland. He has served on boards including Cereal Partners Worldwide, the Consumer Goods Forum, and chaired the Global Alliance for YOUth.

Freixe aimed to boost growth through increased advertising, fewer but larger product initiatives, a review of vitamin brands, and the spinoff of Nestlé’s water business. However, investor confidence fell during his tenure, with Nestlé shares declining 17% compared to a 5% drop for Unilever, and sales volumes contracting 0.4% in Q2.

He joins a list of consumer and retail leaders dismissed over workplace relationships, including McDonald’s CEO Steve Easterbrook (2019) and Kohl’s CEO Ashley Buchanan (2025).

Media reports estimate Freixe’s net worth at $4 million as of July 2025. His wealth reflects nearly four decades at Nestlé, holding key leadership roles across Europe, Latin America, and the Americas before becoming CEO.

Navratil, a Nestlé veteran, began his career in 2001 as an internal auditor and has held multiple leadership roles:

On his appointment, Navratil said: "I am honoured by the trust the Board has placed in me, and it is a privilege to take on the responsibility of leading Nestlé into the future. I fully embrace the company’s strategic direction and action plan to drive performance."

Bulcke praised him as “renowned for his dynamic presence, inspires teams, and leads with a collaborative, inclusive management style.”

Navratil’s appointment signals continuity in Nestlé’s corporate strategy while introducing a more participatory leadership style. The company faces challenges from global trade tensions, rising costs, and sustainability demands. With Navratil at the helm, Nestlé aims to consolidate its market position while maintaining ethical and social accountability.