Nestlé CEO is fired due to romantic relationship with an employee he directly supervised.

Nestlé has announced the dismissal of CEO Laurent Freixe following revelations of a romantic relationship with a direct subordinate. This decision, which underscores the company’s commitment to ethical conduct and corporate governance, was publicly communicated on Monday. Freixe, who had been at the helm of the Switzerland-based food and beverage giant for just one year, will be succeeded by Philipp Navratil, an executive with over two decades of experience within the organization.

Navratil’s promotion comes after his tenure leading the Nespresso division, a key segment of Nestlé’s extensive portfolio. The transition marks a significant shift in leadership for the global company, which has a long-standing reputation for prioritizing corporate values and governance in its operations. Chairman Paul Bulcke expressed gratitude to Freixe for his contributions, emphasizing that the company’s principles are foundational to its identity.

Freixe assumed the CEO position on September 1, 2024, taking over from Mark Schneider. His career with Nestlé dates back to 1986, during which he managed various business segments, including the Latin American division prior to his elevation to the top role. His tenure was characterized by a commitment to Nestlé’s strategic goals; however, the circumstances surrounding his departure have raised questions about the effectiveness of internal governance protocols.

The investigation into Freixe’s relationship was initiated earlier this year but reportedly did not yield any findings at that time, as per reports from financial news outlets. Nevertheless, the company’s current move reflects a proactive approach to maintaining professional standards within its executive ranks.

Philipp Navratil, now stepping into the role of CEO, began his career at Nestlé as an internal auditor. His ascent within the company’s hierarchy culminated in his appointment to the executive board earlier in 2025. Upon his promotion, Navratil expressed deep appreciation for the trust placed in him by the board and highlighted his commitment to advancing Nestlé’s strategic objectives.

This leadership change not only represents a pivotal moment for Nestlé but also emphasizes the company’s determination to uphold its values amidst internal challenges. As the organization prepares for future endeavors, stakeholders will be closely monitoring Navratil’s strategies as he guides Nestlé into the next chapter of its storied history.

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