(Reuters) -European shares slipped on Tuesday, dragged by Nestle after the Swiss food giant ousted Chief Executive Laurent Freixe a year into his tenure, while investors awaited an inflation report later in the day.
The STOXX 600 index lost 0.1% and was at 550.48 points as of 0707 GMT, with the food and beverage sector leading sectoral declines with a 1.2% drop.
Nestle lost 3.2% as Freixe was removed for failing to disclose a romantic relationship with a subordinate.
The shock departure of its CEO threatens more volatility for the KitKat maker, which has struggled in a tough consumer environment and disruptive U.S. tariffs.
The wider Swiss blue-chip index lost 0.3%.
Among others, Kering gained 3.8% after brokerage HSBC upgraded the Gucci owner to “buy” from “hold”, while Partners Grou