Unilever says Fernando Fernandez to succeed Hein Schumacher as CEO

Unilever (UL) announced that Hein Schumacher is stepping down as CEO and as a Board Director on March 1, 2025 by mutual agreement, and will leave the company on May 31. Fernando Fernandez, currently Unilever CFO and Executive Director, will be appointed CEO effective from March 1. Unilever Chairman Ian Meakins said: “On behalf of the Board, I would like to thank Hein for resetting Unilever’s strategy, for the focus and discipline he has brought to the company and for the solid financial progress delivered during 2024. Hein introduced and led a significant productivity program and the commencement of the Ice Cream separation, both of which are fully on track. The Growth Action Plan has put Unilever on a path to higher performance and the Board is committed to accelerating its execution. We are grateful for Hein’s leadership, and we wish him the very best for the future.”