— Vevey, Switzerland: Nestlé’s Board of Directors appointed Philipp Navratil as Chief Executive Officer, effective immediately, following the dismissal of Laurent Freixe after an internal investigation found a breach of the company’s Code of Business Conduct. The Board said its strategy remains unchanged.
Key Takeaways
- Philipp Navratil becomes CEO of Nestlé with immediate effect on September 1, 2025.
- Laurent Freixe was dismissed after an investigation into an undisclosed relationship with a direct subordinate, violating Nestlé’s conduct code.
- The inquiry was overseen by Chairman Paul Bulcke and Lead Independent Director Pablo Isla, with support from independent outside counsel.
- The Board affirmed continuity of strategy while seeking faster execution and efficiency gains.
- Navratil’s track record spans Nespresso, the Coffee Strategic Business Unit, and leadership roles across Latin America.
- The announcement is designated an ad hoc disclosure pursuant to Art. 53 of the Swiss Listing Rules (LR).
- Leadership alignment includes Chairman Paul Bulcke and Chairman‑Designate Pablo Isla.
Verified Facts
Nestlé stated that Laurent Freixe’s departure followed an investigation into an undisclosed romantic relationship with a direct report, which contravened the company’s Code of Business Conduct. The probe was directed by the Board, led by Chairman Paul Bulcke and Lead Independent Director Pablo Isla, and supported by independent external counsel.
Philipp Navratil, appointed CEO, has been part of Nestlé since 2001. He began as an internal auditor and moved through commercial roles in Central America, becoming Country Manager for Nestlé Honduras in 2009. In 2013, he took charge of the coffee and beverage business in Mexico, strengthening the Nescafé brand.
From 2020, Navratil served in Nestlé’s Coffee Strategic Business Unit, shaping global strategy and innovation for Nescafé and Starbucks coffee. He joined Nespresso in July 2024, accelerating growth, and became a member of the Nestlé Executive Board on January 1, 2025.
The Board emphasized that Nestlé’s strategic course remains intact, with confidence that Navratil will advance growth plans and efficiency initiatives without slowing performance.
Context & Impact
The leadership change underscores Nestlé’s governance posture, signaling swift action on conduct breaches while aiming to preserve strategic continuity. With Pablo Isla designated to succeed as Chair, the governance framework around the CEO transition is clear and closely overseen.
Navratil’s elevation from the coffee businesses and Nespresso suggests continued focus on core brands and execution. The company’s message of “no shift in strategy” is intended to reassure stakeholders that performance priorities and value‑creation plans remain on track.
The ad hoc classification under Swiss Listing Rules indicates the Board views the leadership change as potentially price‑sensitive information requiring prompt disclosure.
Career milestones: Philipp Navratil
- 2001: Joined Nestlé as internal auditor
- 2009: Country Manager, Nestlé Honduras
- 2013: Lead for coffee & beverages, Mexico; strengthened Nescafé
- 2020: Coffee Strategic Business Unit; global strategy for Nescafé and Starbucks
- July 2024: Senior leadership at Nespresso; growth acceleration
- Jan 1, 2025: Joined Nestlé Executive Board
- Sept 1, 2025: Appointed CEO of Nestlé S.A.
Official Statements
Upholding our values required this decision, and we thank Laurent Freixe for his service.
Paul Bulcke, Chairman of Nestlé
I will accelerate execution while staying the course on Nestlé’s strategy and value‑creation plan.
Philipp Navratil, CEO of Nestlé
Unconfirmed
- Succession arrangements for Nespresso leadership following Navratil’s move to CEO have not been disclosed.
- Terms of Laurent Freixe’s departure (e.g., severance or clawbacks) were not detailed in the announcement.
- Any near‑term financial impact or changes to 2025 guidance were not addressed.
- No information was provided about potential external regulatory reviews beyond the Board‑led investigation.
Bottom Line
Nestlé executed a swift leadership transition, citing a conduct breach, and installed Philipp Navratil as CEO to maintain strategic momentum. With governance leaders closely involved and strategy unchanged, the company aims to reassure investors while pressing for faster execution and efficiency.