Unilever today (5 March) announced that its vice-chairman and senior independent director Lord Simon will be retiring from the company’s board at the AGM this May.
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Lord Simon has served three terms, each of three years in length.
Unilever intends that Lord Simon will be succeeded in these positions by Jeroen van der Veer.
Van der Veer will also replace Lord Simon as chairman of the nomination and remuneration committees.
The consumer goods giant has also proposed the appointment of Louise Fresco, professor of international development and sustainability at the University of Amsterdam, Ann Fudge, former chairman and CEO of Young & Rubicam Brands and Paul Walsh, CEO of Diageo as non-executive directors.

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By GlobalDataUnilever chairman Michael Treschow said: “I am extremely pleased that Jeroen van der Veer has agreed to become vice-chairman and senior independent director.
“I am also very pleased that Louise Fresco, Ann Fudge and Paul Walsh have agreed to be proposed to join the board. All are distinguished in their respective fields and will further strengthen the expertise and independence of the board, as well as broadening its diversity. I am sure they will add considerably to the business.”
The proposals will be put to shareholders at the company’s AGMs in London on 13 May and in Rotterdam on 14 May 2009.