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Nestle

has dismissed its CEO Laurent Freixe after a code of conduct breach, it said on Monday, appointing Philipp Navratil as his successor.

Nestle said Freixe’s departure follows an investigation overseen by Chairman Paul Bulcke and Lead Independent Director Pablo Isla into an undisclosed romantic relationship with a direct subordinate which breached the company’s code of business conduct.

“This was a necessary decision,” said Bulcke in a statement. “Nestle’s values and governance are strong foundations of our company. I thank Laurent for his years of service.”