Nestlé has appointed company stalwart Laurent Freixe as its new CEO following the departure of Mark Schneider.

Freixe is currently Executive Vice President and CEO Zone Latin America (LATAM), but has been with the company since 1986, where he has continuously progressed, assuming positions of increasing responsibility across different businesses.

Paul Bulcke, Chairman of the Board of Directors, said they are delighted to appoint Freixe 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.”

Freixe has been a member of the Executive Board for 16 years and has played an important role in strengthening the strategic direction of the company and its portfolios.

“I am privileged to have been given the opportunity to continue building and strengthening Nestlé, and I am excited to take on this responsibility.

“There will always be challenges, but we have unparalleled strengths, such as iconic brands and products, an unmatched global presence, leading innovation and execution capabilities, and above all, exceptional people and teams. We can strategically position Nestlé to lead and win everywhere we operate.”

Freixe will assume the CEO position on September 1, 2024.

To stay up to date on the latest industry headlines, sign up to the Pet Industry News e-newsletter.