Mark Schneider has decided to step down as CEO and Board member of Nestlé after 8 years at the helm, causing a major shake-up at the food giant, Kennedy’s Confection reports. Schneider has been pivotal in reshaping Nestlé’s portfolio, focusing on high-growth areas such as confectionery, coffee, pet care, and nutritional health.
Effective September 1, Laurent Freixe, the current Executive Vice President and CEO of Zone Latin America, will assume the role of CEO of Nestlé S.A. Freixe will also be nominated for a position on the Board of Directors at the 2025 Annual General Meeting.
Schneider reflected on his departure, saying: “Leading Nestlé for the past 8 years has been an honour for me. I am grateful for what we have achieved, having transformed Nestlé into a future-proofed, innovative and sustainable business. I would like to thank the entire Nestlé community for what we have accomplished together and wish Laurent all the best in his new role.”
Freixe, who joined Nestlé in France in 1986, has held various key positions, including CEO of Zone Europe and Zone Americas. Most recently, he has led Zone Latin America through challenging conditions. His extensive experience and deep understanding of Nestlé’s culture and values are seen as assets for his new role.
Paul Bulcke, Chairman of the Board, praised Freixe’s appointment, stating: “The Board of Directors is delighted to announce the appointment of Laurent as the new CEO. I have known Laurent for a long time and highly regard him as a talented leader with strategic acumen, extensive in-market experience and expertise as well as a deep understanding of markets and consumers. He has demonstrated his ability to deliver results in challenging market conditions. Laurent’s curiosity fuels his passion for innovation and positive change. Laurent is the perfect fit for Nestlé at this time. Under his leadership, Nestlé will further strengthen its position as a dependable, reliable company through consistent and sustainable value creation.”
Bulcke also expressed gratitude to Schneider: “I would also like to express our gratitude to Mark for his significant contributions to Nestlé and for his outstanding, steady leadership in turbulent times. Mark has been instrumental in the great progress we have made on our sustainability agenda. We extend our best wishes to him in all his professional and personal endeavors.”
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Editor: Kiran Grewal kgrewal@kennedys.co.uk
