Nestle fires CEO over inappropriate

relationship with a subordinate

Nestle has dismissed its CEO Laurent Freixe due to an inappropriate relationship with a subordinate.

The company announced on Monday that the dismissal was effective immediately.

An investigation found that Freixe violated Nestle’s code of conduct. He had been CEO for a year. Philipp Navratil, a longtime Nestle executive, will replace him.

Chairman Paul Bulcke stated that the decision was necessary to uphold the company’s values and governance. Navratil began his career with Nestle in 2001 and has held various roles, including CEO of Nestlé’s Nespresso division since 2024.

Ex-Columbia University president

Shafik tapped as economic adviser

LONDON (AP) — British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has appointed economist Minouche Shafik as his chief economic adviser. This move is part of a staff shakeup to address the sluggish economy and a heated debate over immigration.

Starmer’s Labour Party government has struggled with economic growth and inflation, leaving Treasury chief Rachel Reeves facing tough budget choices.

Shafik, a former deputy governor of the Bank of England, served a tumultuous year as president of Columbia University amid protests over the Gaza war.

Starmer also revamped his communications team and appointed Darren Jones to a new role coordinating policy priorities.

Humanoid robots showcase skills

but reveal they need more tune-ups

ANCIENT OLYMPIA, Greece — Humanoid robots kicked soccer balls, boxed and even attempted archery at the birthplace of the Olympic Games in Ancient Olympia.

But they also froze mid-routine for battery swaps on Monday. The spectacle at a four-day conference and display event underscored both the promise and the hurdles facing humanoid machines.

They lag behind the rapid progress of artificial intelligence. Experts say limited real-world training data slows development. But collaboration among researchers, data firms and manufacturers are drawing billions in funding. Developers showcased prosthetic hands, brain cell-powered chips and other advances. It offered a fresh look at a field still wobbling but steadily marching toward practical use.

The Associated Press