The Board of Directors of Nestlé, the largest food company throughout Europe, has announced today through the immediate cessation of its until now CEO, Laurent Freixe, for having maintained an “unst declared romantic relationship” within its direct work environment. In substitution of Freixe, Nestlé has decided to appoint Philipp Navrathil as the new executive of the company.
The firm explains that the sentimental relationship that the dismissed CEO maintained secret contravenes the code of conduct of the Swiss multinational. “According to the best corporate governance practices, the Council ordered an investigation supervised by the current president Paul Bulcke and that of the company, Pablo Isla, with the support of an independent external advisor,” says Nestlé. That research in which the Exejecutive of Inditex, Pablo Isla has participated, has given rise to the cessation.
The current president of Nestlé, Paul Bulcke, has described the dismissal of Freixe as “necessary action” that will help to guarantee “the values and corporate governance of Nestlé, the solid foundations of the company.” Freixe was appointed CEO, but had been in the company since 1986. “I thank Laurent for her years of service in Nestlé,” Bulcke added in the statement.
Then to this recognition, the president has taken the opportunity to communicate who will hold the position. “I am pleased to announce the appointment of Philipp Navrathil as executive director. Philipp is recognized for his impressive career of achievements in difficult environments,” he said.
“Famous for its dynamic presence, Navrathil inspires the teams and leads with a collaborative and inclusive management style. The Council is confident that it will drive our growth plans and accelerate efficiency efforts. We will not change the course of our strategy and we will not lose the pace in terms of performance,” Bulcke has promised.
Navrathil began his career in Nestlé in 2001 as Auditor. After occupying various commercial positions in Central America, he was appointed national director of Nestlé Honduras in 2009. In 2013, he assumed the direction of the coffee and beverage business in Mexico, where he played a fundamental role in strengthening the Nescafé brand.
In 2020, the Executive became part of the Nestlé Coffee Business Business Unit, where he was responsible for defining the global strategy and boosting the innovation of Nescafé and Starbucks coffee brands. Subsequently, he assumed his position in Nespresso in July 2024. Finally, he joined the Board of Directors of Nestlé on January 1, 2025.
“I feel honored for the confidence that the Council has deposited in me, and it is a privilege to assume the responsibility of leading Nestlé towards the future. I fully share the strategic direction of the company, as well as the plan of action established to boost Nestlé’s performance,” said the new CEO, Philipp Navratil.
