Unilever Appoints Fernando Fernandez as CEO, Reaffirms Growth Strategy and Financial Outlook

Unilever Appoints Fernando Fernandez as CEO, Reaffirms Growth Strategy and Financial Outlook

(IN BRIEF) Unilever has announced that Hein Schumacher will step down as CEO and Board Director by March 1, 2025, with Fernando Fernandez, currently the CFO, succeeding him as CEO. This leadership transition aligns with the company’s commitment to further executing its Growth Action Plan (GAP) and strengthening shareholder value. Fernandez, who joined Unilever in 2024, has a strong track record of leadership in high-performing markets. The company also reaffirmed its 2025 financial outlook and medium-term guidance, with Srinivas Phatak named acting CFO from March 2025. This change is part of Unilever’s ongoing efforts to deliver best-in-class results and enhance its growth trajectory.

(PRESS RELEASE) LONDON, 25-Feb-2025 — /EuropaWire/ — Unilever has announced that Hein Schumacher will step down as Chief Executive Officer and Board Director effective March 1, 2025, following mutual agreement, with his departure from the company set for May 31, 2025. Fernando Fernandez, currently Unilever’s Chief Financial Officer, will take over as CEO starting on March 1, 2025. Fernandez, who joined the company in January 2024, previously served as President of Beauty & Wellbeing, overseeing one of Unilever’s fastest-growing divisions, and has held leadership roles across various high-performing markets, including Latin America, Brazil, and the Philippines.

Unilever’s Chairman, Ian Meakins, expressed gratitude for Hein Schumacher’s leadership, noting his role in reshaping the company’s strategy and overseeing key initiatives such as the Ice Cream business separation and the implementation of the Growth Action Plan (GAP). These efforts have positioned Unilever for higher performance, and the Board is committed to further accelerating the execution of this plan. “Hein has made a significant impact on Unilever, and we wish him the very best as he moves forward,” said Meakins.

Meakins also spoke highly of Fernandez’s appointment, praising his decisive leadership and ability to drive change quickly. “Fernando has been instrumental in shaping the GAP and driving Unilever’s productivity programme. With a strong track record and deep knowledge of Unilever’s operations, the Board is confident in his ability to lead the company towards best-in-class results and deliver substantial shareholder value,” he added.

In a statement, Hein Schumacher shared his pride in the progress made during his tenure, citing the clear strategy and strong leadership team in place to continue Unilever’s success. “It has been an honor to lead Unilever, and I am confident that the company will continue to thrive in the future,” he said.
Fernando Fernandez, reflecting on his appointment, emphasized his focus on building a future-ready portfolio and driving growth across Unilever’s top 30 power brands. “I am honored to take on this role, and I am confident that together with our team, we will position Unilever as a global industry leader,” Fernandez stated. “I would like to thank Hein for his leadership and the performance-driven approach he has instilled in the business.”

In addition to the leadership change, Unilever has initiated a search for a permanent CFO, with Srinivas Phatak, currently Deputy CFO and Group Controller, set to serve as acting CFO from March 1, 2025. Phatak, with his extensive experience in finance, strategy, and supply chain, will support Fernandez in executing Unilever’s strategic vision.

Unilever has reaffirmed its 2025 financial outlook and medium-term guidance, with no changes to the previously communicated targets.

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SOURCE: UNILEVER