Swiss multinational company Nestlé has announced Laurent Freixe as its new CEO, effective 1 September 2024.
He succeeds Mark Schneider, also a board member, who is stepping down from the role.
“The Board of Directors is delighted to announce the appointment of Laurent as the new CEO. I have known Laurent for a long time and highly regard him as a talented leader with strategic acumen, extensive in-market experience and expertise as well as a deep understanding of markets and consumers,” says Chairman Paul Bulcke.
“I would also like to express our gratitude to Mark for his significant contributions to Nestlé and for his outstanding, steady leadership in turbulent times. Mark has been instrumental in the great progress we have made on our sustainability agenda. We extend our best wishes to him in all his professional and personal endeavours.”
Schneider has served as CEO for more than eight years. According to the company, he has focused on growing the categories of coffee, pet care, and nutritional health products, contributing significantly to shaping Nestlé’s portfolio.
“Leading Nestlé for the past eight years has been an honour for me. I am grateful for what we have achieved, having transformed Nestlé into a future-proofed, innovative and sustainable business. I would like to thank the entire Nestlé community for what we have accomplished together and wish Laurent all the best in his new role,” says Schneider.
Freixe’s career commenced with the company in France in 1986 where he held various leadership roles across several businesses, markets and zones. After managing Europe, from 2008 until 2014, during the financial and economic crisis he went on to serve as CEO of the Americas business. Following this, he was announced as CEO of the Latin America region where he continued to lead until now.
“I am privileged to have been given the opportunity to continue building and strengthening Nestlé, and I am excited to take on this responsibility,” Freixe says.
“There will always be challenges, but we have unparalleled strengths, such as iconic brands and products, an unmatched global presence, leading innovation and execution capabilities, and above all, exceptional people and teams. We can strategically position Nestlé to lead and win everywhere we operate.”
According to the company, Freixe has played a pivotal role in leading several global corporate initiatives to improve productivity, increase operational efficiency, and driving innovation. In his commitment to developing future leaders, he has contributed to the Nestlé leadership and training programs as well as the Nestlé Needs YOUth initiative, which aims to promote the employment of young people.
The Board of Directors of Nestlé has also nominated Freixe as a candidate for the Board of Directors at its 2025 Annual General Meeting.
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