The board of directors at Nestlé has terminated its chief executive officer after an internal review found violations of company policy regarding workplace relationships. Laurent Freixe, who had been with the corporation for four decades, was removed from his position effective immediately.
An inquiry conducted by the company’s leadership determined that Freixe had failed to disclose a personal relationship with a staff member who reported directly to him, constituting a breach of the organization’s code of conduct. The investigation involved external legal counsel and was overseen by the board’s leadership.
In a corporate statement, the board characterized the decision as necessary to uphold the company’s governance standards and values, while acknowledging Freixe’s long tenure with the organization.
Philipp Navratil has been appointed as the new chief executive. Company leadership described Navratil as an experienced executive with a demonstrated history of delivering results in difficult market conditions. They expressed confidence in his ability to maintain strategic direction while improving operational efficiency.
Navratil joined Nestlé in 2001 and has held various leadership positions across different regions and business units, including roles in Central American operations and the company’s coffee division. He most recently served on the executive board before his promotion to the top position.
The dismissal follows similar high-profile corporate departures in recent years where executives have faced consequences for failing to disclose workplace relationships, highlighting increased scrutiny on executive conduct and transparency in major corporations.
