Leadership Shake-Up at Unilever: Fernandez Succeeds Schumacher in 2025

Unilever has announced that Hein Schumacher will step down as CEO and Board Director on March 1, 2025. Schumacher will officially leave his position with the company On May 31, 2025. Schumacher and the company are mutually parting away from the agreed upon decision.

Schumacher expressed that during his time at Unilever, he was proud of the achievements made under his direction.“It has been a privilege to lead Unilever. We have made real progress, and I am proud of what we have achieved in a short period of time. With a clear strategy, a portfolio reset in motion, and a strong leadership team in place, I look forward to seeing Unilever move from strength to strength in the future,” Schumacher said.

The chairman of Unilever Ian Meakins, thanked Schumacher for his efforts acknowledging that he changed the company's strategic course and increased its financial results.

“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. We are grateful for Hein’s leadership, and we wish him the very best for the future,” Meakins stated.

With effect from March 1, 2025, Fernando Fernandez, the CFO and Executive Director, will take over as CEO of Unilever. Fernandez had a number of executive positions at Unilever before taking up the position of CFO in January 2024, including CEO of Unilever Philippines, President of Latin America, President of Beauty & Wellbeing, and CEO of Unilever Brazil.