Nestlé Appoints Laurent Freixe as New CEO, Marking a New Era of Leadership

Nestlé Appoints Laurent Freixe as New CEO, Marking a New Era of Leadership

(IN BRIEF) Nestlé has announced a significant leadership change with the appointment of Laurent Freixe as the new CEO, effective September 1, 2024. Freixe, who has been with Nestlé since 1986 and currently serves as Executive Vice President and CEO of Zone Latin America, will succeed Mark Schneider, who is stepping down after eight years in the role. Freixe brings extensive experience from his various leadership roles within Nestlé and is expected to continue driving the company’s growth and innovation. The transition marks a strategic move for Nestlé as it aims to strengthen its global leadership in the food and beverage industry.

(PRESS RELEASE) VEVEY, 23-Aug-2024— /EuropaWire/ — In a significant leadership transition, Nestlé S.A. has announced that Laurent Freixe, currently serving as Executive Vice President and CEO of Zone Latin America, will assume the role of Chief Executive Officer, effective September 1. The decision follows the resignation of Mark Schneider, who has led the company for the past eight years and will step down from his positions as CEO and member of the Board of Directors.

Laurent Freixe, who joined Nestlé in 1986, has built an impressive career within the company, taking on key leadership roles across various regions and business units. His tenure as CEO of Zone Americas and Zone Europe demonstrated his ability to navigate complex market dynamics and drive growth. His most recent role as CEO of Zone Latin America has further solidified his reputation as a strategic leader capable of steering the company through challenging times.

Laurent’s deep understanding of Nestlé’s culture and his commitment to innovation have been pivotal in shaping the company’s strategic direction. His leadership has been instrumental in initiatives aimed at improving productivity, enhancing operational efficiency, and driving innovation across Nestlé’s global operations.

Paul Bulcke, Chairman of Nestlé’s Board of Directors, expressed confidence in Freixe’s ability to lead the company into its next phase: “Laurent is a visionary leader with a proven track record of delivering results under pressure. His strategic insight and deep understanding of global markets make him the ideal choice to lead Nestlé at this critical juncture. We are excited to see the impact of his leadership as Nestlé continues to strengthen its position as a global leader in nutrition, health, and wellness.”

Mark Schneider, reflecting on his tenure, stated: “It has been a privilege to lead Nestlé and work with such an outstanding team. Together, we have transformed the company, focusing on high-growth categories and setting a strong sustainability agenda. I am confident that under Laurent’s leadership, Nestlé will continue to thrive and achieve even greater heights.”

As Nestlé embarks on this new chapter, the company remains committed to its long-standing values of innovation, sustainability, and leadership in the global food and beverage industry. The appointment of Laurent Freixe as CEO marks a continued dedication to these principles, ensuring that Nestlé remains at the forefront of delivering value to consumers and stakeholders alike.

Media Contacts:

Media Relation:
Christoph Meier
Tel.: +41 21 924 2200
mediarelations@nestle.com

Investors Relation:
Luca Borlini
Tel.: +41 21 924 3509
ir@nestle.com

SOURCE: Nestlé