Laurent Freixe, born in 1962 in France, spent nearly four decades with Nestlé before his abrupt dismissal in August 2025. At 63 years old, he had become one of the most recognized figures within the global food and beverage sector. Freixe built his reputation as a strategist with a strong focus on emerging markets and youth employment initiatives. His long service at Nestlé gave him wide recognition, yet his final year at the top turned out to be one of the most turbulent chapters in the company’s history.
Why Was Freixe Removed From Nestlé?
In late August 2025, Nestlé confirmed that Freixe had been dismissed as CEO after an internal probe uncovered a violation of the company’s workplace code of conduct. The investigation centered on an undisclosed romantic relationship with a subordinate. The probe, overseen by Chairman Paul Bulcke and Lead Independent Director Pablo Isla with legal counsel support, concluded that the relationship breached Nestlé’s ethical standards. While the identity of the subordinate was kept private, the decision highlighted Nestlé’s strict stance on corporate governance.
How Much Is Laurent Freixe Worth?
As of July 31, 2025, Laurent Freixe’s net worth is estimated at around $4 million, according to market scanner data. His wealth comes primarily from decades of executive-level compensation at Nestlé, including salaries, stock grants, and performance incentives. Despite his abrupt exit, Freixe remains financially secure. However, compared to other global CEOs, his net worth is modest, reflecting his long career within one corporation rather than diversified business ventures.
What Was His Career Journey at Nestlé?
Freixe’s career began in 1986 when he joined Nestlé France in sales and marketing. By 1999, he was leading the Nutrition Division, where he gained visibility for driving growth in a competitive segment. In 2003, he was appointed Market Head of Hungary, followed by the Iberian region in 2007. His steady progress led to a major promotion in 2008, when he became Executive Vice President and Zone Director for Europe. Later, in 2014, he was handed the Americas portfolio, one of the company’s largest divisions. By 2022, he was CEO of Zone Latin America, a steppingstone that paved the way to his appointment as Nestlé CEO in August 2024.
How Long Did He Serve as Nestlé CEO?
Freixe’s tenure at the helm of Nestlé was surprisingly short. He assumed the role of CEO in August 2024 following the resignation of Mark Schneider, who stepped down over performance concerns. Freixe led the company for just over a year before his dismissal on August 31, 2025. His exit marked the second consecutive leadership shake-up at Nestlé in less than two years, shaking investor confidence and sparking questions about corporate stability.
What Are His Educational and Professional Credentials?
Freixe holds a degree in business administration from EDHEC Business School in Lille, France. He also completed the Program for Executive Development at IMD Business School in Switzerland, further strengthening his leadership credentials. Beyond Nestlé, he contributed to several boards and initiatives. He served on the boards of Cereal Partners Worldwide, the Consumer Goods Forum Manufacturer College, and the World Business Council for Sustainable Development. His role as chair of the Global Alliance for YOUth highlighted his commitment to youth employability and skills development.
What About His Family Life?
While Laurent Freixe’s professional achievements are widely documented, his personal life remains private. Public information about his family is limited, but sources confirm that he is married with children. He has always kept his family out of the spotlight, focusing public attention on his corporate work and leadership initiatives. His recent controversy has brought renewed scrutiny, though Nestlé has respected the privacy of all individuals involved.
What Challenges Does Nestlé Face After His Exit?
Freixe’s removal leaves Nestlé facing a critical leadership test. His successor, Philipp Navratil, formerly head of Nestlé Nespresso, now steps into a challenging role. The company is grappling with slowing sales growth, rising competition in health-conscious product lines, and growing investor pressure. With two CEO changes in two years, Nestlé must regain stability to reassure markets and employees. The transition will test whether Navratil can rebuild confidence while navigating shifting consumer preferences.
What Is Laurent Freixe’s Legacy?
Despite the abrupt end to his tenure, Freixe’s legacy at Nestlé is defined by his commitment to global expansion and talent development. He championed youth employment initiatives and helped Nestlé strengthen its footprint in diverse markets from Europe to Latin America. However, his downfall highlights how quickly reputations can unravel when corporate governance standards are breached. His career remains a mix of long-term achievements and a cautionary lesson about ethical leadership in the modern business world.
