New Delhi, Sept. 2 -- Nestle has ousted its chief executive, Laurent Freixe, just a year into his tenure, following an investigation into an undisclosed romantic relationship with a direct subordinate that violated the company's code of business conduct.

The makers of products ranging from Kitkat to Nescafe began the investigation in spring this year, led by Nestle's chairman, Paul Bulcke and lead independent director Pablo Isla, said Reuters.

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

Freixe, a veteran of the food and beverage company, took over as CEO in September last year after Nestle dismissed...