Nestle S.A., the Swiss food and beverages giant, has appointed Laurent Freixe as its new CEO, effective September 1, following the departure of Mark Schneider. The leadership transition comes amidst rising competition and a period of subdued performance for Nestle.
Freixe, a company veteran with nearly four decades of experience at Nestle, is also being nominated for the Board of Directors at the company’s 2025 annual general meeting. His appointment comes as Nestle faces pressure from competitors like Unilever and Danone, which have outpaced it in sales growth in recent years. Despite a strong post-pandemic recovery, Nestle recently cut its full-year sales outlook, highlighting the need for strategic adjustments.
Paul Bulcke, Chairman of Nestle’s Board of Directors, expressed confidence in Freixe’s leadership, emphasizing his innovative approach and ability to drive results under challenging conditions. “His curiosity fuels his passion for innovation and positive change. Laurent is the perfect fit for Nestle at this time”, Bulcke said.
Mark Schneider, who joined Nestle as CEO in 2016, played a significant role in reshaping the company’s portfolio, focusing on high-growth segments such as coffee, pet care, and nutritional health products. Reflecting on his tenure, Schneider stated, “I am grateful for what we have achieved, having transformed Nestle into a future-proofed, innovative, and sustainable business”.
Laurent Freixe joined Nestle in 1986 in France and has since held various roles with increasing responsibility across the company’s global operations. A member of the Executive Board for the past 16 years, he has been instrumental in guiding Nestle’s strategic direction. Commenting on his new role, Freixe said, “There will always be challenges, but we have unparalleled strengths, such as iconic brands, an unmatched global presence, and exceptional people and teams”.
As Nestle prepares for this leadership transition, the company aims to navigate a competitive landscape with renewed focus under Freixe’s guidance.