ENGLEWOOD CLIFFS, N.J.— Unilever today announced Fernando Fernandez as its new chief financial officer after a thorough internal and external search process.

Fernando Fernandez

Fernando, currently president of Unilever’s Beauty & Wellbeing Business Group, will replace Graeme Pitkethly, who announced his decision to retire from the company earlier this year. Fernando’s appointment is effective from January 1, 2024, and he will join the board with effect from this date.

Prior to his current role running one of Unilever’s fastest growing business groups, Fernando was responsible for Unilever’s business in Latin America. This followed a successful period leading Unilever Brazil between 2011 and 2019. Earlier in his career, he led Unilever Philippines and, before that, Unilever’s global hair care category.

Hein Schumacher, CEO, said: “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. I look forward to working with him to deliver the action plan we have set out today to drive our growth and realise our potential.”

Unilever today also announced other changes to its Unilever leadership executive.

– Priya Nair, currently chief marketing officer beauty & wellbeing, has been appointed president beauty & wellbeing, replacing Fernando.

– Hanneke Faber, president nutrition, has decided to leave Unilever to take on a new opportunity externally. Hanneke’s replacement will be announced in due course.

– Matt Close, president ice cream, has decided to leave Unilever at the end of 2023 after a distinguished 31-year career with the company.

– Peter ter Kulve, currently president home care, has been appointed president ice cream.

– Eduardo Campanella, currently chief marketing officer home care, has been appointed president home care.

– Esi Eggleston Bracey, general manager personal care North America and head of country U.S., has been appointed to the new role of chief growth and marketing officer.

Hein added: “I would like to extend my deep gratitude to Hanneke and Matt for their excellent, distinguished service to Unilever, and I wish them the very best in their future endeavours.

“Priya, Esi and Edu represent part of an exceptional generation of Unilever leaders who combine world class marketing skills with frontline experience. I am delighted they will join the Unilever leadership executive, and that Peter, one of Unilever’s most experienced operators, has agreed to return to ice cream – where he has enjoyed such success in the past.”