Growth & Efficiency: Inside Unilever's Leadership Shake-Up

Unilever, a titan in the consumer goods landscape with popular brands like Dove, Axe, and Ben & Jerry's, is undergoing a major leadership transition.

Currently steered by CEO Hein Schumacher, the reins will soon pass to Fernando Fernandez, the present Chief Finance Officer, from 1 March.

This change comes as Unilever navigates through a pivotal phase. Hein will exit his roles as Chief Executive and Board Director by the end of May after officially stepping down in early March. 

“It has been a privilege to lead Unilever," said Hein. "We have made real progress and I am proud of what we have achieved in a short period of time.

"With a clear strategy, a portfolio reset in motion and a strong leadership team in place, I look forward to seeing Unilever move from strength to strength in the future."

Ian Meakins, Chairman at Unilever, commended Hein for "resetting Unilever’s strategy", as well as the "focus and discipline he has brought to the company". He also highlighted the "solid financial progress" delivered during 2024. 

"Hein introduced and led a significant productivity programme and the commencement of the Ice Cream separation, both of which are fully on track," Ian continued. 

"The Growth Action Plan (GAP) has put Unilever on a path to higher performance and the board is committed to accelerating its execution.

"We are grateful for Hein’s leadership and we wish him the very best for the future."

Unilever's new CEO

Fernando Fernandez is no stranger to the challenges and opportunities presented  He boasts a robust career with the company extending over three decades. His resume includes roles such as President of Beauty & Wellbeing and various leadership positions across thriving markets in Latin America and Asia.

Fernando's influence at Unilever has been formidable, impressing the board with his decisive, results-oriented approach and swift execution capabilities. His involvement in strategic initiatives like the GAP and driving forward a robust productivity programme underscore his readiness to drive Unilever towards a promising future.

"The board has been impressed with Fernando’s decisive and results-oriented approach and his ability to drive change at speed," Ian says.

"He partnered in the development of the GAP and in driving the productivity programme. He has a strong track record of performance and portfolio management, a love of brands and a profound knowledge of Unilever’s operations.

With Fernando's leadership, Unilever aims to excel in executing its strategic plans, enhancing industry performance, and maximising shareholder value.

The implications for sustainability and energy

Unilever has experienced a turbulent period under Hein's leadership, particularly in its approach to sustainability. In April 2024, Unilever adjusted its ESG strategy, drawing attention with the headline: ‘Defining a new era for sustainability leadership'.

"The reality is that Unilever’s sustainability agenda covers a wide range of issues," Hein said.

“But we have learned from experience that we need to be more focused in our allocation of resources to make tangible progress on the big, complex challenges we face.”

A further commitment came with the updated Climate Transition Action Plan (CTAP). This revision aims to specify costed, time-bound plans for reducing emissions across Unilever’s business sectors—an approach that prioritises realistic, achievable goals.

“CTAP is really important, because it enables us to understand where our emissions sit across our business and our value chain," said Rebecca Marmot, then-Chief Sustainability Officer at Unilever.

“We’ve now got time-bound costed roadmaps that enable us to take action in each of the business groups.

“That means less exposure to volatility in the energy markets and more security of supply in key crops and commodities.”

As part of its sustainability strategy, Unilever has expressed intentions to focus more intently on significant sustainability challenges, adopt a more urgent stance on long-term goals, and embrace comprehensive advocacy to tackle external obstacles.

One of the most recent controversies in Unilever’s sustainability lies in a re-organisation of the sustainability team. 

Rebecca Marmot was the company’s Chief Sustainability Officer from May 2019 to January 2025, when her role evolved to Chief Sustainability and Corporate Affairs Officer which she describes as ‘Global Head of Sustainability, Corporate Affairs and External Communications’.

With new leadership in place, Unilever could be in for another sustainability shake-up too that could see impact on the comany's energy strategy.

A vision for growth and efficiency

As he prepares to lead Unilever, Fernando expresses his enthusiasm and vision for the company's future.

At the heart of his messaging lies two key elements - growth and efficiency. 

Under leadship that is driving innovation for growth, energy use and technology at its many plants around the world can expect to come under scrunity.

"Being appointed as CEO of Unilever is an honour," he shares.

"Our focus will be on building a future-fit portfolio with an attractive growth footprint and delivering unmatched functional and perceivable superiority across our top 30 power brands. I have full confidence in our team's ability to propel Unilever to a global industry-leading position and create substantial value for our shareholders.

"I would like to thank Hein for his values-led leadership and the performance focus he has brought to the business. I wish him every success for the future."

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