Nestlé has announced the appointment of Laurent Freixe as its new Chief Executive Officer, effective September 1.
Freixe, currently serving as Executive Vice President and CEO of Nestlé’s Zone Latin America (LATAM), will succeed Mark Schneider, who has decided to step down after eight years at the helm of the global food and beverage giant.
In addition to his new role, Freixe has been nominated for a seat on the Board of Directors, with his candidacy to be considered at the company’s 2025 Annual General Meeting.
Mark Schneider’s tenure as CEO has been marked by significant portfolio transformations and a strong focus on sustainability, positioning Nestlé as a leader in both innovation and responsible business practices.
Schneider expressed his gratitude for his time at Nestlé, stating, “Leading Nestlé has been an honor. Together, we have transformed the company into a future-proofed, innovative, and sustainable business.”
Laurent Freixe brings a wealth of experience to his new role, having been with Nestlé since 1986.
Over his nearly four-decade career, he has held numerous key positions, managing some of the company’s most important regions and driving growth in challenging environments.
His leadership of Zone Europe during the 2008 financial crisis and his successful tenure as CEO of Zone Americas are particularly noteworthy.
Since 2022, Freixe has led Nestlé’s LATAM Zone, where he navigated complex market conditions to deliver strong results.
Paul Bulcke, Chairman of the Board of Directors, expressed confidence in Freixe’s leadership, stating, “Laurent is the perfect fit for Nestlé at this time. Under his leadership, we are confident that Nestlé will continue to deliver consistent and sustainable value creation.”
Freixe himself acknowledged the challenges ahead but emphasized Nestlé’s unique strengths: “I am excited to take on this responsibility. With our iconic brands, unmatched global presence, and exceptional teams, we are well-positioned to lead and win in every market.”
As the company transitions to new leadership, Nestlé’s commitment to sustainable growth and innovation remains at the forefront, ensuring that it continues to set the standard in the global food and beverage industry.