CEO Hein Schumacher Reacts to Shock Departure From Unilever

Hein Schumacher defends his leadership at Unilever as the company announces his departure as CEO. His exit comes after less than a year in the role, with procurement and supply chain transformations playing a crucial part in his short tenure.

Despite describing his time at Unilever as "too short," Hein expresses pride in what he has accomplished, including a strategic overhaul, a focus on sustainability and an increased commitment to digital and social-first commerce. These changes have had a direct impact on procurement, from supplier engagement to operational efficiency.

Hein, who took on the CEO role in July 2023, will be succeeded by Fernando Fernandez, formerly Chief Financial Officer. His official departure date is 31 May.

"I have found my period as CEO inspiring and very rewarding," Hein shares on LinkedIn.

"We have changed and achieved an incredible amount at Unilever in a short period of time: a strategy reset, a new structure, portfolio rebasing, productivity improvement, refocused sustainability agenda, initiated a cultural transformation, drove significantly improved results and made a decisive shift to digital and social-first marketing and commerce."

"Throughout this journey, I have strived to balance swift change, clear direction and strong business execution with a desire to move at the right pace for the company."

Procurement’s role in Unilever’s strategic shift

Under Hein’s leadership, procurement has been central to Unilever’s wider transformation. The restructuring efforts, particularly in supplier relations and efficiency improvements, have set the stage for long-term cost savings and more sustainable sourcing.

Unilever Chairman, Ian Meakins, acknowledges Hein’s contributions, particularly his work in "resetting Unilever’s strategy" and strengthening the company's financial discipline.

Ian also highlights the productivity programme Hein introduced, which has had a direct impact on procurement by streamlining operations and improving supplier negotiations.

"Hein introduced and led a significant productivity programme and the commencement of the Ice Cream separation, both of which are fully on track," Ian says.

"The Growth Action Plan (GAP) 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."

Hein himself reflects on the transition, stating: "I consider my time at Unilever too short. But I am proud of what we as a Unilever team have achieved. And I stand by my record and approach. It has certainly been a privilege to lead this phenomenal company and to work alongside so many talented and committed people."

He adds: "I wish everyone at Unilever the very best in driving the Growth Action Plan 2030 successfully and in taking the company from strength to strength in the years ahead."

What Fernando Fernandez brings

Unilever’s new CEO, Fernando Fernandez, has a strong background in driving profitability and operational efficiency — both crucial for procurement teams navigating global supply chain challenges.

Before becoming CFO in January 2024, Fernando led the Beauty & Wellbeing division, one of Unilever’s fastest-growing segments. His previous roles include President Latin America, CEO Brazil, and CEO Philippines, where he delivered strong financial results and built high-performing teams.

Ian highlights the board’s confidence in Fernando’s ability to execute Unilever’s strategic plans, describing him as "decisive and results-oriented" with a talent for "driving change at speed."

Hein also praises Fernando, stating: "I will transition my responsibilities starting tomorrow to Fernando, a great leader whom I have thoroughly enjoyed working alongside during my tenure as CEO.

"The goal of the leadership change is to accelerate the pace of our strategy execution and realise swift value creation."

Unilever previously confirmed that a search process, both internal and external, was under way to appoint a permanent CFO. In the interim, Srinivas Phatak, currently Deputy CFO and Group Controller, is acting CFO.

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