Three high-profile CEOs have been ousted after their actions sparked massive online outrage. Laurent Freixe, Piotr Szczerek, and Andy Byron faced intense public scrutiny for separate scandals.
Their behavior, captured and shared widely on social media, led to swift corporate consequences. According to Reuters, such incidents highlight the immense power of public perception in the modern corporate world.
Nestlé dismissed its former CEO, Laurent Freixe. The company fired him for breaching its code of business conduct.
An internal investigation found Freixe in an undisclosed romantic relationship with a subordinate. He had worked at the Swiss multinational for four decades before his termination.
Paul Bulcke, who oversaw the investigation, called the decision necessary. The Board of Directors quickly appointed Philipp Navratil as the new chief executive.
Piotr Szczerek, CEO of Polish firm Drogbruk, faced a viral firestorm. A video showed him taking a signed cap from a young boy at the US Open.
The clip spread rapidly across social media platforms. It drew universal condemnation from viewers worldwide.
Szczerek issued a public apology for his "poor judgment and hurtful actions." He stated it was never his intent to steal the prized memento and returned the cap to the child's family.
Astronomer Inc. CEO Andy Byron resigned after an awkward concert moment went viral. He was filmed with Chief People Officer Kristen Cabot during a Coldplay kiss cam.
The Jumbotron showed the two embracing at the event. Their startled reactions to being on screen fueled intense online speculation.
The resulting scandal prompted both executives to resign from the technology firm. The incident demonstrates how quickly personal moments can become public crises.