Unilever has announced a significant leadership change with the departure of Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Hein Schumacher on 31 May 2025, and his appointment to leave on this date.
Fernando Fernandez, who is currently Unilever’s Chief Financial Officer and Executive Director, will take over as CEO effective from 1 March 2025. Prior to becoming CFO in January 2024, Fernando had a successful tenure as President of Beauty & Wellbeing, one of Unilever’s fastest-growing businesses.
Unilever Chairman Ian Meakins expressed gratitude for Hein’s leadership and acknowledged his efforts in resetting the company’s strategy and delivering solid financial progress. The Board praised Fernando’s decisive approach, strong track record, and ability to drive change at speed.
Hein Schumacher thanked Unilever for the opportunity to lead the company and expressed confidence in its future growth potential. He will continue to receive his current pay until his departure on 31 May 2025.
Fernando emphasized his commitment to building a future-fit portfolio with attractive growth, delivering unmatched functional superiority across top brands, and creating substantial value for shareholders.
A search process is underway to appoint a permanent CFO, with Srinivas Phatak becoming the acting CFO from 1 March 2025. There is no change to Unilever’s 2025 outlook or medium-term guidance.
Source: https://www.unilever.com/news/press-and-media/press-releases/2025/unilever-board-update-25-02-25