The Wall Street Journal

Nestlé Fires CEO Following Probe of Romantic Relationship With Subordinate

Laurent Freixe is out after just a year in the top job at the food giant, which is trying to sell a number of underperforming businesses

Nestlé CEO Laurent Freixe addressing the annual meeting in April.
Nestlé CEO Laurent Freixe addressing the annual meeting in April. Photo: Pierre Albouy/Reuters

Nestlé said it dismissed Chief Executive Laurent Freixe with immediate effect following an investigation into an undisclosed romantic relationship with a direct subordinate that breached the group’s code of conduct.

The Swiss maker of Nescafé coffee and Purina pet food said Monday that its board had ordered the probe overseen by Chairman Paul Bulcke and lead independent director Pablo Isla, with the support of independent outside counsel.

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