By — Associated Press Associated Press Leave your feedback Share Copy URL https://www.pbs.org/newshour/world/nestle-dismisses-ceo-due-to-an-inappropriate-relationship-with-a-subordinate Email Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Pinterest Tumblr Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Nestlé dismisses CEO due to an inappropriate relationship with a subordinate World Sep 1, 2025 4:09 PM EDT Swiss food giant Nestlé said Monday it dismissed its CEO Laurent Freixe due to an inappropriate relationship with a subordinate. The maker of Nescafé drinks and Purina pet food said in a statement the dismissal was effective immediately. An investigation found the undisclosed romantic relationship with a direct subordinate violated Nestlé’s code of conduct. READ MORE: Keurig Dr. Pepper to unwind merger after buying Peet’s Coffee for $18 billion Freixe, who had been CEO for a year, will be replaced by Philipp Navratil, a longtime Nestlé executive. “This was a necessary decision,” said Chairman Paul Bulcke. “Nestlé’s values and governance are strong foundations of our company.” Navratil started his career with Nestlé in 2001 as an internal auditor and served in a variety of roles in Central America. In 2020, he joined Nestlé’s Coffee Strategic Business Unit, and in 2024, he became CEO of Nestlé’s Nespresso division. We're not going anywhere. Stand up for truly independent, trusted news that you can count on! Donate now By — Associated Press Associated Press
Swiss food giant Nestlé said Monday it dismissed its CEO Laurent Freixe due to an inappropriate relationship with a subordinate. The maker of Nescafé drinks and Purina pet food said in a statement the dismissal was effective immediately. An investigation found the undisclosed romantic relationship with a direct subordinate violated Nestlé’s code of conduct. READ MORE: Keurig Dr. Pepper to unwind merger after buying Peet’s Coffee for $18 billion Freixe, who had been CEO for a year, will be replaced by Philipp Navratil, a longtime Nestlé executive. “This was a necessary decision,” said Chairman Paul Bulcke. “Nestlé’s values and governance are strong foundations of our company.” Navratil started his career with Nestlé in 2001 as an internal auditor and served in a variety of roles in Central America. In 2020, he joined Nestlé’s Coffee Strategic Business Unit, and in 2024, he became CEO of Nestlé’s Nespresso division. We're not going anywhere. Stand up for truly independent, trusted news that you can count on! Donate now