Nestlé Chairman Paul Bulcke to Step Down Amid Leadership Shake-up

Economy

Nestlé Chairman Paul Bulcke to Step Down Amid Leadership Shake-up

2 months ago

News sources:

DAWN

LEMONDE

INDIATIMES

Nestlé Chairman Paul Bulcke to Step Down Amid Leadership Shake-up

Credited from: INDIATIMES

Chairman Paul Bulcke to step down on October 1, earlier than planned.
Bulcke's resignation follows the dismissal of CEO Laurent Freixe over a scandal.
Nestlé's share price dropped 0.5% following the announcement.

Nestlé announced on Tuesday that Chairman Paul Bulcke will step down effective October 1, months ahead of his previously scheduled transition in April 2026. This decision comes shortly after the company dismissed its CEO, Laurent Freixe, due to an undisclosed romantic relationship with a subordinate, which violated company policy according to Dawn and Le Monde.

The change in leadership is designed to provide a new direction for Nestlé, as Bulcke noted, “This is the right moment for me to step aside and accelerate the planned transition.” He expressed confidence in Vice Chairman Pablo Isla and the new CEO, Philipp Navratil, stating they could guide the company with a fresh perspective, as reported by Dawn and India Times.

Bulcke's abrupt decision follows significant pressure from investors who have held him accountable for a turbulent period at Nestlé. Analysts indicated that shareholders were increasingly vocal about the need for stability, especially after Freixe’s rapid ouster, leading to a 0.51% decline in Nestlé's share price. This reflects growing investor frustration and concern over the company's strategic direction, according to India Times and Le Monde.