France's Laurent Freixe, Executive Vice President in the Nestle Headquarters, applauds during an event in Vevey, Switzerland, Thursday, Sept. 18, 2014. (AP Photo/Keystone, Laurent Gillieron, File)2025-09-01T18:41:02Z Swiss food giant Nestl said Monday it dismissed its CEO Laurent Freixe after an investigation into an undisclosed relationship with a direct subordinate.The maker of Nescaf drinks and Purina pet food said in a statement the dismissal was effective immediately. An investigation found the undisclosed romantic relationship with a direct subordinate violated Nestls code of conduct.Freixe, who had been CEO for a year, will be replaced by Philipp Navratil, a longtime Nestl executive.This was a necessary decision, said Chairman Paul Bulcke. Nestls values and governance are strong foundations of our company.The company didnt give any other details about the investigation.Freixe had been with Nestl since 1986, holding roles around the world. When Nestl revamped its geographic structure in January 2022, Freixe became CEO of Zone Latin America. In August 2024, he was tapped to replace then-CEO Mark Schneider in the top role, and started Sept. 1, 2024. Navratil started his career with Nestl in 2001 as an internal auditor and served in a variety of roles in Central America. In 2020, he joined Nestls Coffee Strategic Business Unit, and in 2024, he became CEO of Nestls Nespresso division.Its the latest in a string of personnel changes for the company. In June, Bulcke, a former CEO who has been chairman of the board since 2017, said he wouldnt stand for reelection in 2026. And in April, Steve Presley, an executive vice president and CEO of Zone Americas, said he was retiring after almost 30 years of service.Based in Vevey, Switzerland, Nestl has been facing headwinds like other food makers, including rising commodity costs and the negative impact of tariffs. It said in July it offset higher coffee and cocoa-related costs with price increases.