Unilever has named Hein Schumacher as its new CEO, effective July 1, 2023. The group’s current CEO Alan Jope announced he would retire last September.
Schumacher is currently CEO of dairy and nutrition business Royal FrieslandCampina and became a non-executive director of Unilever in October 2022. Royal FrieslandCampina has €11bn in turnover and is present in 40 countries.
Prior to joining the dairy and nutrition business as Chief Financial Officer in 2014, Schumacher worked for H.J. Heinz for 10 years in US, Europe and Asia. He was based in China for four years, where he is credited with leading a turnaround of the Asia Pacific zone.
As Unilever CEO, Schumacher will receive annual fixed pay of €1.85m and be eligible for annual bonus and performance share plan awards.
Schumacher will take on the new position following a one-month handover period. Jope will continue to head Unilever until the end of June 2023.