Romantic Misconduct Costs Freixe Nestlé’s Top Job

Nestlé has dismissed its chief executive, Laurent Freixe, following an internal investigation that found he breached the company’s code of business conduct by failing to disclose a romantic relationship with a direct subordinate.

The Swiss food and beverage multinational announced Philipp Navratil as his successor after the probe—led by Nestlé chair Paul Bulcke and lead independent director Pablo Isla with support from external counsel—confirmed misconduct.

“This was a necessary decision,” Bulcke said in a statement. “Nestlé’s values and governance are strong foundations of our company. I thank Laurent for his years of service.”

Freixe’s dramatic exit comes less than a year after he took over the top job in September 2024, following the ouster of former CEO Mark Schneider. It also ends his 40-year career at the company, which owns global household brands including KitKat, Häagen-Dazs and Nespresso.

Bulcke, who himself is due to step down as chair next year, said Navratil was the right leader to steady the ship. He described the new chief executive as having a “dynamic presence” and “inclusive management style,” with a proven record of driving performance in tough markets.

Navratil, who joined Nestlé in 2001, has held multiple senior roles in Central America, Mexico, and the company’s global coffee division. He took charge of Nespresso in 2024 and joined the executive board in January 2025.

The scandal draws parallels with BP’s leadership crisis last year, when then-chief executive Bernard Looney was forced to resign for failing to disclose past workplace relationships. Looney was later dismissed for serious misconduct, stripped of more than £32m in pay and share awards, and replaced by Murray Auchincloss. BP has since introduced stricter rules compelling staff to disclose intimate relationships or risk dismissal.