SWIRTZELAND – Swiss multinational food company, Nestle, has announced the current Executive Vice President and CEO of Zone Latin America (LATAM), Laurent Freixe, as its new Chief Executive Officer of Nestlé, effective September 1, 2024.
This appointment follows the decision of current CEO Mark Schneider to step down from his role as CEO and as a member of the Board of Directors.
Schneider has been with Nestlé for eight years, during which time he played a pivotal role in reshaping the company’s portfolio in alignment with Nestlé’s strategy.
Under his leadership, Nestlé focused on high-growth areas such as coffee, pet care, and nutritional health products, positioning the company for future success.
Additionally, the Board of Directors has nominated Freixe as a candidate for the Board at the 2025 Annual General Meeting, signaling confidence in his long-term leadership.
Laurent Freixe’s career at Nestlé began in 1986 in France, and he has since risen through the ranks, holding various positions of increasing responsibility across multiple regions and business units.
Notably, Freixe successfully managed Nestlé’s Zone Europe during the global financial crisis from 2008 to 2014, demonstrating his ability to steer the company through challenging times.
Later, as CEO of Zone Americas, he was instrumental in accelerating growth across the region.
Following the restructuring of Nestlé’s Zones in 2022, Freixe took on the role of CEO of Zone Latin America, where he continued to lead the company through difficult conditions.
With 16 years of experience on Nestlé’s Executive Board, Freixe has been integral to shaping the company’s strategic direction and portfolio.
His deep understanding of Nestlé’s culture and values, combined with his leadership in global corporate initiatives aimed at improving productivity, operational efficiency, and innovation, has earned him a reputation as a capable and forward-thinking leader.
Freixe is also known for his commitment to developing future leaders, as evidenced by his involvement in the Nestlé Leadership and Training Programs and the Nestlé Needs YOUth initiative, which promotes youth employment.
“Laurent is a talented leader with strategic acumen, extensive in-market experience, and a deep understanding of markets and consumers,” Paul Bulcke, Chairman of the Board of Directors, stated.
“He has demonstrated his ability to deliver results in challenging market conditions. Under his leadership, Nestlé will continue to strengthen its position as a reliable and innovative company.”
Bulcke also took the opportunity to thank Schneider for his contributions, noting his steady leadership and the significant progress made on Nestlé’s sustainability agenda during his tenure.
Schneider, in his farewell remarks, expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to lead Nestlé and wished Freixe success in his new role.
“I am privileged to continue building and strengthening Nestlé. Despite the challenges ahead, we have unparalleled strengths, including iconic brands, an unmatched global presence, leading innovation, and exceptional people,” Laurent Freixe, in response to his appointment, stated.
This leadership change marks a new chapter for Nestlé as the company looks to the future under Freixe’s guidance, building on the strong foundation laid by Schneider.
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