Nestlé Chairman Paul Bulcke Resigns Following CEO Scandal
Paul Bulcke, chairman of Nestle SA since 2017, has decided to resign from the board, apparently in connection with the firing of CEO Laurent Freixe for “an inappropriate relationship.” Pablo Isla will become chairman on Oct. 1.
European media have reported investor pressure against the world’s largest food company since Freixe was dismissed Sept. 1, having served just one year, for an undisclosed relationship with a subordinate, which may have involved workplace favoritism. Freixe's predecessor, Ulf Mark Schneider, also was dismissed rather suddenly, although he had held the CEO title for seven years.
Bulcke, who is or near 71 and was Nestle’s CEO 2008-2016, was scheduled to step down in April of 2026 anyway, with Isla already named chairman-elect this June. Bulcke has worked for Nestle since 1979.
Bulcke said, “I have full trust in Nestlé's new leadership and firmly believe this great company is well positioned for the future. This is the right moment for me to step aside and accelerate the planned transition, allowing Pablo and Philipp [Navratil, new CEO] to advance Nestlé's strategy and guide the company with a fresh perspective. I wish the entire Nestlé family every success in the future."
Additionally, Dick Boer has been appointed lead independent director and vice chairman of the board of directors, also beginning Oct. 1. Marie-Gabrielle Ineichen-Fleisch also was named a vice chair.
About the Author
Dave Fusaro
Editor in Chief
Dave Fusaro has served as editor in chief of Food Processing magazine since 2003. Dave has 30 years experience in food & beverage industry journalism and has won several national ASBPE writing awards for his Food Processing stories. Dave has been interviewed on CNN, quoted in national newspapers and he authored a 200-page market research report on the milk industry. Formerly an award-winning newspaper reporter who specialized in business writing, he holds a BA in journalism from Marquette University. Prior to joining Food Processing, Dave was Editor-In-Chief of Dairy Foods and was Managing Editor of Prepared Foods.