Nestle Investors Urge Chairman Bulcke Resignation After Second CEO Exit

Nestle investors are urging Chairman Paul Bulcke to resign following the abrupt departure of two CEOs within just over a year, with Laurent Freixe recently dismissed for failing to disclose a romantic relationship with a subordinate. This second CEO exit in a short span has heightened shareholder concerns about corporate governance and Bulcke's leadership, especially given the handling of investigations into Freixe's conduct. Bulcke, who has chaired Nestle since 2017 and announced plans to step down next year, now faces increased pressure as investor confidence wanes amid weak sales and uncertainty about the company's direction. Shareholders question Bulcke's decision-making and suggest he should have resigned earlier, particularly after the sudden exit of Mark Schneider, Freixe's predecessor. Nestle maintains that the two CEO departures are unrelated and cites a clear breach of conduct for Freixe's dismissal. The company has not provided immediate comment on the evolving leadership concerns.