What’s changing at Nestlé? CEO leadership summary
- Philipp Navratil becomes Nestlé CEO after Laurent Freixe’s dismissal
- Navratil urges employees to act fast and embrace fresh ideas
- Focus shifts to collaboration, accountability and consumer-centric innovation
- Chairman Paul Bulcke exits amid investor pressure for leadership change
- Pablo Isla appointed chairman as Nestlé resets executive leadership strategy
Nestlé’s incoming CEO, Philipp Navratil, wants the company to move fast and be open to fresh ideas.
In his first public statement, posted on LinkedIn, the Austrian-Swiss businessman said he’s focused on what each employee can do to “make Nestlé better, smarter and faster”.
Navratil made the comments following a speech at Nestlé’s Global All In event.
“It was a pleasure to take the stage at our 2025 Nestlé Global All In event,” said the newest leader of the Swiss multinational. “Our teams from around the world came together to reflect on the company today, where we can take it, and what each of us can do to pave the path forward.
“I shared my story, my vision and a challenge for the team. Continuing to focus on consumers and the rapidly changing world around us.”
He also made what many will see as a reference to the reason behind his promotion – Laurent Freixe’s sacking – saying he wanted to strengthen the “culture of collaboration and accountability”.
However, he did end on a lighter note.
“We are leveraging our brands, our people, our capabilities, our size and scale to drive our strategy. Success is earned and we will create it, together.”
Philipp Navratil in Laurent Freixe out
Navratil was promoted to CEO at the beginning of the month, following his predecessor, Laurent Freixe’s, very public fall from grace. A fall that included an “undisclosed romantic relationship” with a direct subordinate, and left colleagues reeling.
“We didn’t expect to find ourselves here,” said Anna Manz, CFO of Nestlé during a revealing discussion with Barclays’ Warren Ackerman.
Meanwhile investors were calling for the exit of chairman Paul Bulcke, on the grounds of “decency”. They were granted their wish just days later, with Pablo Isla assuming the role.
Nestlé’s future
As Nestlé enters a new chapter under Navratil’s leadership, the message is clear – speed, transparency, and collaboration will define the path ahead. With a fresh executive team and a renewed focus on accountability, the company is attempting to turn the page on recent controversies and reassert its position as a global leader in the food and beverage sector.
Whether Navratil’s vision can restore trust and energize the workforce remains to be seen. But one thing is certain – Nestlé is no longer standing still.
