Major Leadership Shift at Unilever
Unilever Appoints Fernando Fernandez as New CEO After Hein Schumacher Steps Down: In a significant move, Unilever announced on February 25, 2025, that its CEO Hein Schumacher will step down by March 2025, after just under two years in office. Schumacher, who took charge in July 2023, will formally exit the company on May 31, 2025. He will be succeeded by Fernando Fernandez, the company’s current Chief Financial Officer (CFO), marking a smooth internal transition at the top level of the global FMCG (Fast-Moving Consumer Goods) giant.
Schumacher’s Leadership and Achievements
Under Schumacher’s leadership, Unilever launched the Growth Action Plan (GAP), which focused on improving performance, resetting strategy, and driving organizational productivity. He played a key role in separating Unilever’s ice cream division to streamline operations and enhance focus on core business areas. The company’s financial outlook for 2024 remained strong, and his efforts were publicly appreciated by Chairman Ian Meakins, who credited Schumacher with “reshaping the company’s strategy.”
Fernando Fernandez: From CFO to CEO
Fernando Fernandez, who became Unilever’s CFO in January 2024, will now take the helm as CEO. Fernandez has held senior leadership roles across multiple global markets, including as President of the Beauty & Wellbeing division and in Latin America, Brazil, and the Philippines. Known for his market performance and team-building skills, Fernandez is expected to bring operational expertise and global experience to the CEO role. His promotion highlights Unilever’s commitment to leadership continuity and internal talent development.
New Acting CFO Appointed
With Fernandez moving up, Srinivas Phatak, currently deputy CFO and group controller, will take over as Acting CFO. Phatak’s appointment ensures leadership continuity in Unilever’s finance team, especially as the company enters a new strategic phase under Fernandez.
Static GK Snapshot
| Topic | Fact |
| Outgoing CEO | Hein Schumacher |
| Incoming CEO | Fernando Fernandez (Current CFO) |
| Date of Leadership Announcement | February 25, 2025 |
| Full Exit of Schumacher | By May 31, 2025 |
| Major Initiatives | Growth Action Plan (GAP), Ice Cream Division Separation |
| Incoming Acting CFO | Srinivas Phatak |
| Key Praise | Chairman Ian Meakins praised Schumacher’s strategic reset |
| Sector | Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) |
