Nestlé Appoints Laurent Freixe as CEO; Mark Schneider to Depart After Eight Years
Source: DairyNews.today
The Board of Directors of Nestlé S.A. has announced the appointment of Laurent Freixe, currently serving as Executive Vice President and CEO of Zone Latin America (LATAM), as the new Chief Executive Officer of Nestlé S.A., effective September 1. Freixe has also been nominated as a candidate for the Board of Directors, with a formal election scheduled for the 2025 Annual General Meeting.
This leadership transition follows the decision of Mark Schneider, Nestlé's Chief Executive Officer, to step down from his roles as CEO and Board member. Schneider's tenure at Nestlé, which began eight years ago, has been marked by a strategic focus on high-growth categories such as coffee, pet care, and nutritional health products, significantly shaping the company’s portfolio.
Freixe, a seasoned Nestlé executive, joined the company in France in 1986 and has held various leadership roles across multiple regions and business units. His tenure includes steering Zone Europe through the financial and economic crisis between 2008 and 2014, and later accelerating growth as CEO of Zone Americas. Since 2022, Freixe has led Zone Latin America, navigating the region through complex market conditions.
As a member of the Executive Board for 16 years, Freixe has played a pivotal role in driving Nestlé’s strategic direction. His contributions include initiatives to enhance productivity, operational efficiency, and innovation. Freixe is also recognized for his commitment to leadership development, having actively participated in the Nestlé Leadership and Training Programs and spearheaded the Nestlé Needs YOUth initiative, which promotes youth employment.
Paul Bulcke, Chairman of the Board of Directors, commented on the appointment: "The Board is pleased to welcome Laurent as our new CEO. His strategic insight, coupled with extensive market experience and a profound understanding of consumer needs, positions him as the ideal leader for Nestlé. Laurent has consistently demonstrated his ability to deliver results, even in challenging market environments, and his innovative mindset will be key to driving Nestlé's continued success."
Bulcke also expressed gratitude to Schneider for his leadership: "Mark's steady guidance during turbulent times has been invaluable. His efforts have been instrumental in advancing our sustainability agenda and transforming Nestlé into a more resilient and future-oriented company. We wish him all the best in his future endeavors."
In response to his appointment, Freixe stated, "It is an honor to lead Nestlé into the future. While challenges are inevitable, Nestlé’s strengths—our iconic brands, global presence, and exceptional teams—equip us to succeed. I look forward to building on our strong foundation and leading the company to new heights."
Reflecting on his time at Nestlé, Schneider remarked, "It has been a privilege to lead this remarkable company. Together, we have made significant strides in innovation and sustainability, positioning Nestlé for long-term success. I am confident that Laurent will continue to build on this momentum and lead Nestlé to even greater achievements."
Freixe, a seasoned Nestlé executive, joined the company in France in 1986 and has held various leadership roles across multiple regions and business units. His tenure includes steering Zone Europe through the financial and economic crisis between 2008 and 2014, and later accelerating growth as CEO of Zone Americas. Since 2022, Freixe has led Zone Latin America, navigating the region through complex market conditions.
As a member of the Executive Board for 16 years, Freixe has played a pivotal role in driving Nestlé’s strategic direction. His contributions include initiatives to enhance productivity, operational efficiency, and innovation. Freixe is also recognized for his commitment to leadership development, having actively participated in the Nestlé Leadership and Training Programs and spearheaded the Nestlé Needs YOUth initiative, which promotes youth employment.
Paul Bulcke, Chairman of the Board of Directors, commented on the appointment: "The Board is pleased to welcome Laurent as our new CEO. His strategic insight, coupled with extensive market experience and a profound understanding of consumer needs, positions him as the ideal leader for Nestlé. Laurent has consistently demonstrated his ability to deliver results, even in challenging market environments, and his innovative mindset will be key to driving Nestlé's continued success."
Bulcke also expressed gratitude to Schneider for his leadership: "Mark's steady guidance during turbulent times has been invaluable. His efforts have been instrumental in advancing our sustainability agenda and transforming Nestlé into a more resilient and future-oriented company. We wish him all the best in his future endeavors."
In response to his appointment, Freixe stated, "It is an honor to lead Nestlé into the future. While challenges are inevitable, Nestlé’s strengths—our iconic brands, global presence, and exceptional teams—equip us to succeed. I look forward to building on our strong foundation and leading the company to new heights."
Reflecting on his time at Nestlé, Schneider remarked, "It has been a privilege to lead this remarkable company. Together, we have made significant strides in innovation and sustainability, positioning Nestlé for long-term success. I am confident that Laurent will continue to build on this momentum and lead Nestlé to even greater achievements."
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