Nestle Names Laurent Freixe as CEO, Succeeding Mark Schneider
Swiss multinational Nestle S.A. has appointed Laurent Freixe as its new Chief Executive Officer, effective September 1. Freixe, a Nestlé veteran with nearly four decades of experience within the company, replaces outgoing CEO Mark Schneider, who will also step down from his role on the Board of Directors.
In a move reflecting Nestle’s commitment to continuity and strategic leadership, Freixe has also been nominated as a candidate for the company’s Board of Directors at its 2025 Annual General Meeting.
The leadership transition comes at a critical time as Nestle faces increasing competition from rivals such as Unilever and Danone, which have driven stronger sales volumes in recent years. Despite a solid post-pandemic performance, Nestlé has encountered challenges and recently cut its full-year sales outlook, signaling a need for strategic renewal.
Paul Bulcke, Chairman of Nestle’s Board of Directors, expressed confidence in Freixe’s ability to navigate these challenges, highlighting his track record of delivering results in tough market conditions. “Laurent’s curiosity and passion for innovation make him the ideal leader for Nestlé at this juncture”, said Bulcke.
Mark Schneider, who served as CEO for eight years, played a pivotal role in transforming Nestle’s portfolio, emphasizing high-growth segments like coffee, pet care, and nutritional health products. “I am proud of what we have achieved, positioning Nestle as a future-proofed and sustainable business”, said Schneider in his farewell statement.
Freixe’s journey with Nestle began in 1986 in France, and he has since held various key positions across different markets and zones. For the past 16 years, he has been a member of the Executive Board, contributing significantly to the company’s strategic direction and portfolio management.
Freixe emphasized the company’s strengths, stating, “Our iconic brands, global reach, and exceptional teams position us well for the future”.
