Consumer goods giant Unilever has appointed Fernando Fernandez as its new chief financial officer and a member of the board, effective 1 January 2024.
Currently, Fernandez serves as the president of Unilever’s beauty and wellbeing division, the company added.
He will replace Graeme Pitkethly, who announced his decision to retire from the company earlier this year.
Previously, Fernandez was responsible for Unilever’s business in Latin America followed by Unilever Brazil between 2011 and 2019.
Earlier in his career, he led Unilever Philippines and, before that, Unilever’s global hair care category, the company noted.
Unilever chief executive, Hein Schumacher commented, "Fernando has had a very impressive track record throughout his Unilever career, in a variety of financial, marketing and general management roles.
"His deep financial and business experience, strategic acumen and leadership qualities will be critical in helping to drive the step-up in Unilever’s performance that we are all determined to deliver."
Other Management Changes
Unilever also announced other changes to the Unilever Leadership Executive team, including the appointment of Priya Nair as the successor to Fernandez.
Hanneke Faber, president of the nutrition unit, has decided to leave the company to explore a new opportunity.
Matt Close, the president of the ice cream division, will also leave Unilever at the end of 2023 after 31 years with the company.
He will be succeeded by the president of the home care division, Peter ter Kulve.
Elsewhere, the chief marketing officer of the home care division, Eduardo Campanella, will step in as the president of the division.
Esi Eggleston Bracey, general manager of personal care North America and head of country US, has been appointed to the newly created role of chief growth and marketing officer.
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