In a significant leadership transition, Nestlé has announced the appointment of Laurent Freixe as the new Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Nestlé SA, effective September 1. Freixe, who has been serving as the Executive Vice President and CEO of the Latin America (LATAM) Zone, will take over the reins from Mark Schneider, who has decided to step down from his roles as CEO and Board member after eight impactful years with the company.

During his tenure, Schneider played a pivotal role in reshaping Nestlé’s corporate portfolio, aligning it with the company’s strategic vision. His focus on high-growth categories such as coffee, pet care, and nutritional health products has been instrumental in driving the company’s success. Under his leadership, Nestlé has strengthened its position in the global market, adapting to changing consumer preferences and industry trends.

Laurent Freixe’s journey with the company began in France in 1986, and he has since climbed the corporate ladder, holding various positions of increasing responsibility across different divisions and markets. Notably, he successfully managed the Europe Zone during the financial crisis from 2008 to 2014, demonstrating his ability to navigate challenging economic landscapes. Following this, he took on the role of CEO of the Americas Zone, where he accelerated growth and implemented strategies that yielded impressive results. In 2022, Freixe was appointed CEO of the Latin America Zone, where he continued to excel despite facing difficult conditions. His extensive experience and deep understanding of Nestlé’s culture and values have positioned him as a key player in the company’s strategic direction. Over the past 16 years as a member of the Executive Board, Freixe has led various global initiatives aimed at improving productivity, enhancing operational efficiency, and fostering innovation.

Freixe is also dedicated to nurturing future leaders within the organization. His active involvement in Nestlé‘s leadership and training programs, as well as the Nestlé Needs YOUth initiative, underscores his commitment to promoting youth employment and developing talent. Expressing his enthusiasm for his new role, Freixe stated, “I am honored to have the opportunity to continue building and strengthening Nestlé, and I am excited to take on this responsibility. There will always be challenges, but we can rely on unparalleled strengths, such as iconic brands and products, a unique global presence, cutting-edge innovation and execution capabilities, and, above all, exceptional people and teams. We can strategically position Nestlé to lead and win wherever we operate”.

As Freixe steps into this leadership role, the company looks forward to a new chapter under his guidance, aiming to further enhance its global presence and continue its legacy of innovation and excellence.