Unilever has revealed changes to its category and go-to-market structure, with the appointment of a COO and four category heads.
The changes, Unilever said today (24 June), are designed to support the firm’s growth plans, particularly in its businesses in the emerging markets.
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The role of COO will be taken by Harish Manwani with effect from 1 September. Manwani, president of Unilever’s operations in Asia, Africa and Central and Eastern Europe, will be responsible for all the company’s markets. Unilever said the change had been made to “drive speed-to-market behind further simplification and efficiency”.
Manwani’s appointment as COO is one of a series of changes throughout Unilever’s senior management and came as Michael Polk, president of global foods, home and personal care at the company announced his intention to leave the business. Polk is leaving to take up the role of president and CEO at consumer goods group Newell Rubbermaid from 18 July.
The reorganisation will see Kevin Havelock, executive vice president of Unilever’s ice cream division, appointed as president of the newly-established refreshment category, which includes ice cream and beverages.
The rest of Unilever’s food business will be led by Antoine de Saint Affrique, executive vice president of the company’s skin brands.
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By GlobalDataDe Saint Affrique has been appointed as president for food, which includes Unilever’s savoury, spreads and dressings categories.
Dave Lewis, president of Unilever’s operations across the Americas, will take up the role of president of its personal care arm, consisting of skin, deodorants, oral and hair.
In Unilever’s home care business, Randy Quinn, executive vice president for Unilever’s laundry arm, and Sean Gogarty, senior VP for household care, will report directly to CEO Paul Polman.
The revised structures will become effective during the third quarter and will be fully operational before the year-end.
Unilever said the structure allows for a more efficient rollout of “bigger and more scalable” innovations.
“Unilever now has over half its turnover in the emerging markets, where, over the last ten years, growth has been close to double digits,” Polman said. “We have an opportunity to better support this footprint of the business, to keep our strong momentum, with a more globally aligned country and category organisation.”
