New York Post·2025-09-15 14:21Core Viewpoint - Nestlé is facing significant leadership turmoil following the abrupt firing of CEO Laurent Freixe due to a romantic relationship with a subordinate, marking the second CEO ouster in just over a year, which has led to increased pressure on Chair Paul Bulcke to resign [1][4][5]. Leadership Changes - Laurent Freixe was dismissed without severance pay after an internal investigation confirmed his affair, which was reportedly an "open secret" within the company [1][7]. - This dismissal follows the ousting of former CEO Mark Schneider in August 2024, leading to concerns about governance and stability within Nestlé [4][11]. - Philipp Navratil, previously head of Nespresso, has been appointed as the new CEO, but investors are skeptical about his ability to lead the entire conglomerate [5][15]. Investor Sentiment - Major shareholders are expressing dissatisfaction with Bulcke's leadership, with calls for his resignation due to the perceived governance failures and the impact on the company's credibility [5][10][16]. - Nearly 10% of shareholders voted against Bulcke's re-election as chair at the annual meeting, with an additional 5.4% abstaining [9]. Governance Concerns - The repeated leadership changes have raised alarms about the governance structure at Nestlé, with critics arguing that Bulcke's dual influence over management and the board has shielded him from accountability [9][10][12]. - Investors are concerned about the effectiveness of the board, with some suggesting that an external leader is needed to address the ongoing issues [12][16]. Financial Impact - Nestlé's shares have fallen 40% since 2022, resulting in billions in lost market value amid stagnating sales and governance scandals [9][17]. - The leadership crisis is seen as a core issue affecting investor trust, with shareholders indicating that Bulcke's continued presence could exacerbate the situation [16].