Nestlé fires its CEO Laurent Freixe for an ‘inappropriate relationship’ with a subordinate employee

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it’s investigating the financials of Elon Musk’s pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, ‘The A Word’, which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Nestlé has fired its chief executive officer, Laurent Freixe, for what it claimed was an inappropriate relationship with a subordinate employee.

The world’s largest packaged-food maker said Monday its board had ordered a probe into the undisclosed romantic relationship, which it found had violated the company’s code of conduct, according to a Wall Street Journal report.

“This was a necessary decision,” the board’s chairman, Paul Bulcke, said. “Nestlé’s values and governance are strong foundations of our company.”

Bulcke also thanked Freixe for his “years of service” at the company.

Freixe had worked at Nestlé’ for nearly 40 years, but his time as CEO was rather short. He was appointed to the position in September 2024, replacing Mark Schneider.

Nestlé has fired its chief executive officer, Laurent Freixe, for what it claimed was an inappropriate relationship with a subordinate employee. (Gabriel Monnet/AFP via Getty Images)

This is a developing story…