When a corporate empire topples its leader over scandal, the question everyone asks is: what happens to the money?
Laurent Freixe, the once-powerful Nestlé CEO, was dramatically ousted in 2025 after revelations of a romantic relationship with an employee surfaced inside the company.
The scandal shook the boardroom of the world’s largest food and beverage group, ending Freixe’s decades-long rise in a cloud of controversy. But while the headlines focus on his fall from grace, another story lurks beneath the surface — the immense wealth he accumulated at the helm of Nestlé, and the fortune he now carries into an uncertain future.
Laurent Freixe applauding during a Nestlé conference, reflecting his active engagement in company events prior to his 2025 departure.
Upbringing and Career Journey - The Making Of Laurent Freixe
Early Life and Education
Born in Paris in 1962, Laurent Freixe grew up the son of electrical engineers and showed an early aptitude for business. After completing his MBA with an emphasis in marketing at EDHEC Business School in Lille in 1985, he augmented his executive skill set through advanced leadership training, including a program at IMD in Switzerland.
Entering the World of Nestlé
Freixe joined Nestlé France in 1986, cutting his teeth in sales, marketing, and market research. He earned recognition by launching the “Croustibat” fish sticks brand, successfully competing against rival Captain Iglo, and spearheading efficiency improvements in the French snacks division.
Rising Through the Ranks
Over the next two decades, Freixe ascended the corporate ladder, becoming head of Nestlé France’s Dairy and Nutrition division in 1999. In 2003, he was appointed CEO of Nestlé Hungary, followed in 2007 by CEO of the Iberian region. His appointment in 2008 as Executive Vice President and Zone Director for Europe marked a turning point in his international leadership role.
The Global Leadership Stage
In 2014, Freixe took charge of Nestlé’s Americas Zone, overseeing markets across North and Latin America. By 2022, he had assumed the position of Executive VP and CEO of Zone Latin America, reinforcing his reputation as a global operator with a deep understanding of diverse markets.
Becoming CEO
After a remarkable 38 years with the company, Freixe was appointed CEO of Nestlé S.A. on 1 September 2024, succeeding Ulf Mark Schneider. In this role, he reversed prior restructuring, increased advertising spend, emphasized core brands under the company’s 60/40 rule, and slashed costs by hundreds of millions of euros annually according to Nestlé.
Laurent Freixe takes questions from the media during a Nestlé press briefing, showcasing his public role as CEO before his 2025 dismissal.
Laurent Freixe's Romantic Scandal Unveiled
In September 2025, Nestlé dropped a bombshell—CEO Laurent Freixe was abruptly dismissed after an internal investigation revealed he had been engaged in an undisclosed romantic relationship with a direct subordinate, in violation of the company’s Code of Business Conduct according to Reuters.
How It Came to Light
The Times reports that the issue first surfaced when a complaint was submitted via Nestlé’s internal hotline—part of its “Tell Us” compliance reporting system. Though an initial probe found no wrongdoing, continued concerns and new reports prompted a second, more extensive investigation. This inquiry was overseen by Chairman Paul Bulcke and Lead Independent Director Pablo Isla, alongside independent external counsel, including the Swiss law firm Baer & Karrer.
A Sudden and Severed Departure
The New York Post reports that following confirmation of the relationship, Nestlé terminated Freixe’s contract immediately—without any exit package or severance. Chairman Bulcke stated, “This was a necessary decision. Nestlé’s values and governance are strong foundations of our company.”
Consequences for Nestlé
Freixe’s dismissal marked the second CEO exit in a single year—his predecessor, Mark Schneider, had already been ousted for underperformance. The instability rattled investors; under Freixe’s leadership, Nestlé’s stock had fallen about 17%, amplifying concerns about the company’s strategic direction.
Laurent Freixe in a professional corporate headshot, reflecting his executive image prior to the scandal that led to his 2025 exit from Nestlé.
Laurent Freixe's Net Worth Breakdown
Estimated Net Worth
Laurent Freixe’s estimated net worth stands at approximately $4 million as of mid-2025 according to Market Screener, accumulated after nearly four decades of service with Nestlé. This relatively modest figure reflects his executive salary, bonuses, and long-term stock holdings, rather than any massive private fortune.
How He Built His Wealth
Freixe's wealth stemmed from a career trajectory that began in Nestlé's French operations in 1986 and culminated in his appointment as CEO in September 2024. Over the years, he climbed the ranks—from regional leadership roles across Europe and the Americas to overseeing major zones—earning both compensation and corporate stock incentives tied to performance. Today, he holds over 41,000 Nestlé shares, with a valuation contributing significantly to his net worth.
Estimated Salary as CEO
Nestlé has not disclosed the exact compensation package Laurent Freixe received during his year as CEO. However, according to The Economic Times, his predecessor earned approximately 9.6 million Swiss francs (about $11.9 million USD), suggesting that Freixe’s salary and bonuses were likely in a similar range during his tenure.
Value of Nestlé Shares
According to Nestlé’s 2024 Compensation Report, Freixe held 41,318 shares as of December 31, 2024. Market watchers estimate these shares are worth approximately $3.6 million USD, based on prevailing share prices.
Lifestyle and Assets
While detailed records of Freixe's personal assets are scarce, his position suggests a lifestyle of comfort and global mobility. Likely benefits include corporate residences or allowances near Nestlé's Switzerland headquarters, business travel, and executive perks consistent with senior roles.
However, there is no public evidence of extravagant real estate holdings or luxury purchases such as sports cars or yachts. His profile remains remarkably low-key for someone who reached the top of one of the world’s largest companies.
Financial Fallout from the Scandal
With no exit package awarded upon his immediate dismissal, Freixe lost any severance or additional financial protections he might have had as Nestlé CEO. The lack of a golden handshake combined with the scandal likely means he walks away solely with his existing assets—stock holdings and earnings to date—without further compensation.
Depending on how Nestlé enforces post-employment restrictions or clawback provisions, the scandal may cost him untapped future gains and reputational capital more than it will erode his existing net worth.
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Latest News: Laurent Freixe's Ouster and Nestlé's Leadership Shake-Up
In a stunning turn of events, Nestlé has dismissed CEO Laurent Freixe after less than a year in the role. The company cited a breach of its Code of Business Conduct due to an undisclosed romantic relationship with a direct subordinate. The relationship was initially denied by Freixe but was confirmed following an internal investigation prompted by anonymous whistleblower reports. The probe was overseen by Chairman Paul Bulcke and Lead Independent Director Pablo Isla, with support from external legal counsel.
This marks the second CEO departure at Nestlé within a year, following the removal of Mark Schneider in November 2024. According to Business Insider, the company has appointed Philipp Navratil, formerly head of Nespresso, as the new CEO. Navratil, a 24-year veteran of Nestlé, is tasked with steering the company through this leadership transition while maintaining its strategic direction.
Freixe's abrupt exit has raised questions among investors about Nestlé's governance and stability. The company's stock has declined over 17% under his leadership, and the latest leadership change adds to concerns about the company's direction.
Former Nestlé CEO Laurent Freixe pictured beside the company logo, reflecting the weight of leadership and the scrutiny leading up to his 2025 departure.
FAQs About Laurent Freixe
Why was Laurent Freixe fired from Nestlé?
Laurent Freixe was dismissed due to a breach of Nestlé's Code of Business Conduct. An internal investigation confirmed he had an undisclosed romantic relationship with a direct subordinate, which violated company policy and raised governance concerns.
Who is the new CEO of Nestlé?
Following Freixe's departure, Nestlé appointed Philipp Navratil, formerly head of Nespresso, as the new CEO. Navratil has been with Nestlé for 24 years and will lead the company through this transitional period.
How did investors react to Freixe’s departure?
Investors expressed concern over Nestlé’s governance and stability. The company’s stock had already declined more than 17% during Freixe’s tenure, and his sudden exit heightened fears about strategic continuity.
Will Freixe receive a severance package after being fired?
Details of any severance package have not been publicly confirmed. However, given Nestlé’s standard executive compensation policies, it is likely that any exit package would be subject to company review and could be impacted by the circumstances of his dismissal.
Final Thoughts
Laurent Freixe’s rise and fall at Nestlé is a cautionary tale of ambition, success, and the personal choices that can abruptly reshape a career. From his early days in the company’s French operations to reaching the pinnacle as CEO, he built a fortune through salary, bonuses, and lucrative Nestlé stock holdings. His personal life and professional achievements were abruptly overshadowed by the scandal, reminding both executives and investors that corporate governance and ethical conduct remain non-negotiable.
While Freixe’s net worth remains substantial, with shares valued at millions and a history of high-end investments, the full financial and reputational fallout from his dismissal is still unfolding. Nestlé has moved quickly to restore stability with a new CEO, but the episode will be studied as a stark reminder of how personal decisions can have enormous professional and financial consequences.
Ultimately, Laurent Freixe’s story is a powerful reminder that climbing to the top of a multinational corporation can come with immense rewards—but also immense risks, both personal and professional. The coming months will reveal how he navigates the aftermath and whether his legacy will be defined by decades of achievement or a single scandal.
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