Nestlé Fires Top Executive Laurent Freixe Over Undisclosed Relationship with Subordinate

In a stunning move that has reverberated through the corporate world, global food giant Nestlé has announced the dismissal of one of its highest-ranking executives, Laurent Freixe. Freixe, who served as CEO of Zone Latin America and held a coveted seat on Nestlé’s prestigious executive board, was ousted for a critical breach of the company’s stringent code of conduct: failing to disclose a romantic relationship with a subordinate.

The undisclosed romance, which reportedly began in 2018, came to light despite Nestlé's clear and unambiguous policy requiring employees to declare any intimate relationships within the workplace.

Such policies are standard practice in large corporations, designed to prevent conflicts of interest, ensure fair treatment, and maintain a professional environment free from perceived favoritism or undue influence.

Freixe was not just any executive; he was widely considered a strong contender and potential successor to current Nestlé CEO Mark Schneider.

His long and distinguished career at the Swiss-headquartered multinational, spanning decades, had positioned him as a key figure in the company’s global operations. The revelation of the relationship and subsequent termination marks a dramatic downfall for a man once thought to be on a clear path to the very top.

While Nestlé framed the departure as a "mutually agreed upon exit," sources close to the situation confirm that Freixe was effectively fired.

The company's stance on ethical conduct leaves no room for ambiguity, particularly when it involves senior leadership. "Nestlé’s culture is built on trust and respect, and we are committed to upholding the highest standards of integrity," a company statement would likely emphasize, underscoring the severity of the breach.

The incident serves as a stark reminder that even the most powerful executives are not exempt from corporate rules designed to protect the integrity of the workplace.

Nestlé's decisive action reinforces its commitment to its code of conduct, sending a clear message across its global workforce about accountability and transparency, regardless of an individual's position or past contributions.