Unilever boss to retire in 2023 after five years in the role
Chief executive Alan Jope’s retirement from the firm ends a career spanning more than 35 years with the group.
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.The boss of Marmite maker Unilever plans to stand down at the end of 2023 after five years at the helm, the group has announced.
Chief executive Alan Jope’s retirement from the firm ends a career spanning more than 35 years with the group.
Unilever – which is behind a raft of well-known household brands also including Dove soap, Knorr stock cubes, Magnum ice cream and Pot Noodle – has kicked off the search for his successor, both inside and outside the company.
Mr Jope said: “As I approach my fifth year as chief executive, and after more than 35 years in Unilever, I believe now is the right time for the board to begin the formal search for my successor.
“Growth remains our top priority and in the quarters ahead I will remain fully focused on disciplined execution of our strategy and leveraging the full benefits of our new organisation.”
The group’s chairman Nils Andersen said Mr Jope’s departure will “mark the end of a remarkable career with Unilever”.
He added: “The board will now conduct an orderly succession process and support Alan and the management team in further driving the performance of Unilever.
“Alan’s retirement next year will mark the end of a remarkable career with Unilever.
“Under his leadership, Unilever has made critical changes to its strategy, structure and organisation that position it strongly for success.”
The news comes as household goods giant Reckitt is also on the hunt for a permanent successor after chief executive Laxman Narasimhan was appointed to lead Starbucks and move back to the US after three years in the role.