New Delhi, Sept. 2 -- Swiss food giant Nestle said Monday it dismissed its CEO Laurent Freixe after an investigation into an undisclosed relationship with a direct subordinate.

The maker of Nescafe drinks and Purina pet food said in a statement the dismissal was effective immediately. An investigation found the undisclosed romantic relationship with a direct subordinate violated Nestle's code of conduct.

Freixe, who had been CEO for a year, will be replaced by Philipp Navratil, a longtime Nestle executive.

"This was a necessary decision," said Chairman Paul Bulcke. "Nestle's values and governance are strong foundations of our company."

The company didn't give any other details about the investigation.

Freixe had been with Nestle sinc...