Zarah ChoudharyUnilever has announced that Hein Schumacher will step down as chief executive officer and board director on 1st March 2025, after just two years in the role.
Schumacher, who officially took over as CEO in July 2023, will leave the company entirely by 31st May 2025, following what the company described as a mutual agreement.
Schumacher’s departure comes despite what Unilever chairman Ian Meakins described as notable achievements during his short tenure.
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.”
He also highlighted Schumacher’s introduction of a significant productivity programme and the commencement of the Ice Cream separation, stating both initiatives remain “fully on track.”
Schumacher, who was previously CEO of Royal FrieslandCampina and had served as a Non-Executive Director at Unilever since October 2022, brought a strong background in consumer goods leadership.
His earlier career included roles at H.J. Heinz, where he led a turnaround of the Asia Pacific zone, and a finance career start at Unilever itself.
Schumacher said: “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.”
Fernando Fernandez, currently Unilever’s chief financial officer and executive director, will take over as CEO effective 1st March 2025.
Fernandez, who assumed the CFO role in January 2024, has previously held leadership positions across several markets, including president of beauty and wellbeing, president Latin America, CEO Brazil, and CEO Philippines.
Meakins stated: “The Board has been impressed with Fernando’s decisive and results-oriented approach and his ability to drive change at speed.
“He partnered in the development of the GAP and in driving the productivity programme.”
Fernandez said: “Being appointed as CEO of Unilever is an honour.
“Our focus will be on building a future-fit portfolio with an attractive growth footprint and delivering unmatched functional and perceivable superiority across our top 30 power brands.
“I have full confidence in our team’s ability to propel Unilever to a global industry-leading position and create substantial value for our shareholders.”
With Fernandez stepping up as CEO, Unilever has begun a search for a permanent chief financial officer.
In the interim, Srinivas Phatak, currently deputy CFO and group controller, will become acting CFO from 1st March 2025.
