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EXECUTIVE APPOINTMENTS

FMCG giant Unilever names its new global chief executive officer

By our News Team | 2023

Hein Schumacher is a former Heinz executive and currently CEO of a Dutch-based global dairy and nutrition business. He takes over in July.

Unilever, the global FMCG giant that is home to more than 400 of the world’s best-selling brands, has confirmed the appointment of its new CEO.

He is Hein Schumacher, 51, a former Heinz and Unilever executive who is currently CEO of the Dutch-based global dairy and nutrition business, Royal FrieslandCampina.

Executive Appointments

Photo courtesy of Unilever

Schumacher will begin as Unilever CEO on 1 July 2023 after a one-month handover period. He replaces Alan Jope, who announced in September 2022 his intention to retire from Unilever after 37 years of service.

“Hein is a business leader with an excellent track record across multiple leading companies in the consumer goods industry,” Unilever says in a media statement.

“As CEO of Royal FrieslandCampina, an €11-billion (US$11.8-billion) turnover business operating in over 40 countries, he has delivered significant portfolio and organisation change as part of transforming it into a more focused, growth-driven and sustainable business.”

According to a report by news agency Reuters, Unilever had been considering internal and external candidates for the role. Sources told Reuters in October that the candidates included Unilever’s finance chief, Graeme Pitkethly, personal care division boss, Fabian Garcia, and Hanneke Faber, who heads the company’s nutrition group.

Prior to joining Royal FrieslandCampina as CFO in 2014, Schumacher worked for H.J. Heinz for over a decade – during a time of significant change at the company – across the US, Europe and Asia. In his last four years at Heinz he was based in China, where he led a turnaround of the Asia Pacific zone. He began his career in finance at Unilever,

 “We are delighted to welcome Hein as our new Chief Executive after an extensive global search process,” said Unilever Chairman, Nils Andersen.

[He] is a dynamic, values-driven business leader who has a diverse background of experiences and an excellent track record of delivery in the global consumer goods industry. He has exceptional strategic capabilities, proven operational effectiveness, and strong experience in both developed and developing markets.

Schumacher will earn annual fixed pay of €1.85-million ($1.99-million) and be eligible to receive an annual bonus and shares based on performance.

Unilever’s brands include Sunlight, Omo, Knorr, Domestos, Dove, Hellmans, Vaseline, Liptons, Rexona, Pepsodent and Lifebuoy.

Dr Kin Kariisa

Group CEO - Next Media

Dr. Kin Kariisa is an extraordinary force at the helm of Next Media Services, a conglomerate encompassing NBS TV, Nile Post, Sanyuka TV, Next Radio, Salam TV, Next Communication, Next Productions, and an array of other influential enterprises. His dynamic role as Chief Executive Officer exemplifies his unwavering commitment to shaping media, business, and community landscapes.
With an esteemed academic journey, Dr. Kariisa’s accolades include an Honorary PhD in exemplary community service from the United Graduate College inTexas, an MBA from United States International University in Nairobi, Kenya, a Master’s degree in Computer Engineering from Huazong University in China, and a Bachelor’s degree in Statistics from Makerere University.
Dr. Kariisa pursued PhD research in Computer Security and Identity Management at Security of Systems Group, Radboud University in Nijmegen, Netherlands. As a dynamic educator, he has shared his expertise as a lecturer of e-Government and Information Security at both Makerere University and Radboud University.

Dr Kin did his PhD research in Computer Security and Identity Management at Security of Systems Group, Radbond University in Nigmegen, Netherlands. He previously served as a lecturer of e-Government and Information Security at Makerere University in Kampala, Uganda and Radbond University in Netherlands.

Dr Kin did his postgraduate courses in Strategic Business Management, Strategic Leadership Communication and Strategies for Leading Successful Change Initiatives at Harvard University, Boston USA.

  • Other current and previous roles played by Dr Kin Kariisa:
  • Lecturer of e-Government and Information Security to graduate students at Makerere University, Kampala and Radbond University in the Netherlands
  • Director of Eco Bank Uganda Limited, one of the largest banks in Africa
  • Chairman of the National Association of Broadcasters, an umbrella industry association for all Television, Radio and online broadcasters in Uganda.
  • Chairman of Board of Directors of Nile Hotel International, that owns the leading hotel in Uganda, Kampala Serena Hotel.
  • Chairman of Board of Directors of Soliton Telmec Uganda, the leading telecom company in Optic fibre business managing over 80% of optic fibre in Uganda.