Who is Laurent Freixe? Nestlé leader removed after workplace affair probe

Laurent Freixe, once viewed as a steady hand to lead Nestlé during a critical transition, was abruptly removed from the top post after just one year following an internal investigation that revealed he failed to disclose a romantic relationship with a direct subordinate, breaching the company’s code of conduct. 

Who is Laurent Freixe?

Born in 1962 and raised in Paris, Freixe earned an MBA in marketing from EDHEC Business School in Lille in 1985. He furthered his executive training at the International Institute for Management Development (IMD) in Switzerland.

Career at Nestlé

Freixe began his Nestlé journey in 1986 in France, starting in sales and marketing roles. Over nearly four decades, he led operations across Hungary, the Iberian Peninsula, Europe, the Americas, and Latin America, rising steadily through successive regional leadership roles.

What did he do as CEO?

In September 2024, Freixe replaced Ulf Mark Schneider as CEO of Nestlé. He aimed to reset the company’s strategy by increasing advertising, backing fewer but more impactful product initiatives, and reviewing underperforming segments like vitamin brands. He also spun off the waters business into a separate unit.

Performance under scrutiny

Despite these efforts, investor confidence remained low. Nestlé’s shares dropped approximately 17% during his tenure, compared with a 5% decline at rival Unilever, suggesting skepticism about the new direction.

Broader roles

Outside the CEO role, he was a board member of Cereal Partners Worldwide, the Consumer Goods Forum, and the Global Alliance for YOUth, among others. He also helped steer the Nestlé Needs YOUth initiative to promote youth employment globally.

Why was he fired?

Following an internal investigation led by Nestlé’s chair Paul Bulcke and lead independent director Pablo Isla, Freixe was dismissed over an undisclosed romantic relationship with a direct subordinate. The relationship breached the company’s code of business conduct, leading to his immediate exit with no exit package.

Chairman’s statement

Paul Bulcke defended the decision, stating: “This was a necessary decision. Nestlé’s values and governance are strong foundations of our company. I thank Laurent for his years of service.” The probe was backed by external legal counsel.

New leadership

Philipp Navratil, head of Nespresso and Nestlé executive since 2001, has been named his successor, effective immediately. The company emphasised the continuity of its strategic path under Navratil’s leadership.

Nestlé reassured stakeholders that its direction and performance focus remain unchanged despite the leadership upheaval.