Love affair with legal aftermath: Former CEO Laurent Freixe demands millions back from Nestlé

Laurent Freixe, the former CEO of Nestlé, is locked in a legal battle over his abrupt dismissal in September 2025. The company terminated his contract immediately after an external investigation suggested he was in a relationship with a subordinate, a direct violation of Nestlé's code of conduct which mandates disclosure and prohibits such reporting structures to avoid conflicts of interest.

Freixe, who had a nearly forty-year career with the Swiss food giant, disputes the grounds and manner of his termination. He was reportedly stripped of his bonus entitlements and access to blocked shares at the time of his dismissal. According to Bloomberg, Freixe is now seeking millions in compensation, including his 2025 bonus and the aforementioned shares, arguing that his termination was unjustified and has disproportionately damaged his reputation and future career prospects.

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Laurent Freixe disputes both the reasons and the manner of his dismissal.

Nestlé has declined to comment on the matter. However, the company's remuneration report clearly states that board members forfeit short-term bonuses and long-term incentive program benefits in cases of summary dismissal. The situation highlights the strict corporate governance policies at major international firms and the significant financial and reputational stakes involved when executives fall foul of them.

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He was dismissed without prior hearing after nearly forty years of impeccable service and deprived of his rightfully earned remuneration.