Unilever today (4 September) revealed that Nestlé executive Paul Polman will replace CEO Patrick Cescau when he retires at the end of the year.


Polman is executive vice president and zone director for the Americas at Nestlé. Previously, he served at Procter & Gamble, where he rose to become group president, Europe – a position he held from 2001 to 2005.


Polman will be proposed for appointment to the Unilever board at extraordinary general meetings to be held during the autumn and will assume the role of CEO “following an orderly transition”, the company said. 


Commenting on the appointment, Unilever chairman Michael Treschow said: “We are very pleased to welcome Paul Polman. He is a great talent with significant international experience and an excellent track record.”


During his tenure as Unilever chief executive, Cescau introduced a number of measures designed to rejuvenate the company. Most recently he oversaw a strategic overhaul of the group’s brands under the banner “One Unilever”.

How well do you really know your competitors?

Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research. Gain competitive edge.

Company Profile – free sample

Thank you!

Your download email will arrive shortly

Not ready to buy yet? Download a free sample

We are confident about the unique quality of our Company Profiles. However, we want you to make the most beneficial decision for your business, so we offer a free sample that you can download by submitting the below form

By GlobalData
Visit our Privacy Policy for more information about our services, how we may use, process and share your personal data, including information of your rights in respect of your personal data and how you can unsubscribe from future marketing communications. Our services are intended for corporate subscribers and you warrant that the email address submitted is your corporate email address.

“Four years ago we set out to transform Unilever and to get the business back on track. I believe that phase of work is largely complete, so now is exactly the right time to pass on the baton,” Cascau said.