Nestlé CEO Fired Over Ethics Breach — Who Is Philipp Navratil, the Successor?
Why Was Nestlé CEO Laurent Freixe Fired?
In September 2025, Nestlé stunned the corporate world by firing CEO Laurent Freixe after less than a year in the role. The decision followed an internal investigation into what the company described as a “serious breach of trust” involving a romantic relationship with a subordinate. According to the board, Freixe’s conduct violated Nestlé’s Code of Business Conduct, which emphasizes transparency, integrity, and responsible leadership.
The dismissal was immediate and came without severance pay, signaling the board’s zero-tolerance stance on ethical lapses. Freixe, who previously led Nestlé’s Latin America division, had been seen as a steady pair of hands to succeed Mark Schneider. His departure is a rare but significant disruption at the top of one of the world’s largest consumer goods companies.¹²
Who Is Philipp Navratil?
Stepping into the spotlight is Philipp Navratil, a Nestlé veteran with more than two decades of experience. Known for his strategic vision in coffee and beverages, Navratil has built a reputation for driving innovation and market expansion. He joined the company in 2001 and steadily rose through the ranks, serving in Central America before taking on senior global roles.
Most recently, Navratil led Nespresso, where he oversaw premium coffee’s expansion into new markets and strengthened sustainability initiatives, such as aluminum capsule recycling. The board praised him for an “inclusive, collaborative style of leadership” and his ability to adapt quickly in competitive, fast-changing industries.³⁴
What Happened to Steve Presley, Nestlé’s Zone Americas CEO?
The shake-up at Nestlé did not end with Freixe’s dismissal. Steve Presley, who served as CEO of Nestlé Zone Americas and was responsible for some of the company’s most profitable markets, announced his retirement after 27 years. His departure, though not linked to misconduct, adds to the leadership turbulence and leaves a major gap in the U.S. and Latin American markets.²
Laurent Freixe
Who Is the CEO of Nestlé India?
Meanwhile, Nestlé’s operations in India — one of its fastest-growing regions — remain under the leadership of Suresh Narayanan (not Rakesh Nath). Narayanan, who has been at the helm since 2015, continues to deliver double-digit growth for the brand, particularly in instant noodles, confectionery, and dairy. His stability contrasts sharply with the upheaval at Nestlé’s global headquarters.
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Philipp Navratil’s Career Timeline
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2001: Joined Nestlé as an internal auditor.
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2004–2010: Held senior roles in Central America, building regional strategy.
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2010s: Moved into global coffee leadership, shaping Nestlé’s premium coffee strategy.
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2020s: Appointed Head of Nespresso, driving global expansion and sustainability efforts.
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January 2025: Joined Nestlé’s Executive Board.
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September 2025: Appointed CEO of Nestlé after Laurent Freixe’s dismissal.
Why the Change Matters
Nestlé’s swift action shows how global corporations are prioritizing ethics and governance in the wake of mounting scrutiny over workplace culture and accountability. While Freixe’s exit underscores the risks of personal misconduct at the top, Navratil’s appointment is designed to reassure investors, customers, and employees that the company remains focused on stability.
Navratil inherits a tough mandate: delivering growth in a competitive consumer goods market, expanding Nestlé’s digital and sustainable offerings, and restoring faith in leadership. With Nestlé still the world’s largest food and beverage company — spanning brands from KitKat to Nescafé — the CEO transition will be closely watched across global markets.
Related: Profiting From Outrage: How Scandal Became a Business Model
