High-Flying Nestlé Executive Laurent Freixe Ousted After Workplace Affair Probe

A corporate titan's career built over nearly four decades has come to an unexpected end at Nestlé. Laurent Freixe, an Executive Vice President and the influential CEO for Zone Latin America, has departed the global food and beverage giant following a rigorous internal investigation that uncovered a consensual romantic relationship with a subordinate.

The probe, initiated in December 2023, confirmed that Freixe had engaged in a relationship that directly contravened Nestlé’s stringent Code of Business Conduct.

Specifically, the relationship violated the company's policies on professional conduct and, critically, its stance on conflicts of interest, particularly when a direct reporting line exists between individuals involved.

For 37 years, Freixe was an integral part of Nestlé, rising through the ranks to become one of its most powerful executives.

His strategic vision and leadership were instrumental, especially in the Latin American market. So significant was his role that he was widely considered a strong contender and potential successor to the current CEO, Mark Schneider, making his sudden exit all the more impactful.

Nestlé has made it unequivocally clear that its Code of Business Conduct is paramount, designed to ensure a respectful, safe, and fair workplace environment for all employees.

The company's internal policies strictly prohibit romantic relationships between managers and their direct reports, regardless of their consensual nature, to prevent potential abuses of power, conflicts of interest, and maintain professional integrity.

In a statement, Nestlé reaffirmed its commitment to upholding these values, emphasizing that it takes all allegations of misconduct seriously and acts decisively to address any violations.

While the company did not disclose the specific details of the relationship, the outcome underscores a firm stance on corporate governance and ethical leadership.

Freixe's official retirement was announced in late January, effective March 31, 2024, shortly after the investigation's conclusion.

His departure serves as a potent reminder that even the most senior executives are not exempt from adhering to a company's fundamental ethical guidelines, reinforcing the importance of corporate responsibility and maintaining professional boundaries in the workplace.