The changes are designed to further strengthen the execution of Unilever's strategy in the markets

Unilever has announced changes to its leadership and organisation as it continues its transformation into a faster, leaner and more agile company.

The changes build on the creation of three global Divisions last year - Beauty & Personal Care, Foods & Refreshment, and Home Care - and are designed to further strengthen the execution of Unilever's strategy in the markets.

Nitin Paranjpe, President, Foods & Refreshment, has been appointed to the new role of Chief Operating Officer. Nitin will be responsible for all of Unilever's go-to-market organisations, driving and co-ordinating in-year performance across our countries in line with our Divisional strategies.

Hanneke Faber, currently President, Europe, has been appointed President, Foods & Refreshment.

Kees Kruythoff, President, Home Care, has decided to leave Unilever after 27 years of service to pursue external opportunities.

Peter ter Kulve, Chief Digital Officer and EVP South East Asia & Australasia (SEAA), has been appointed President, Home Care.

Sanjiv Mehta, EVP, South Asia, has been promoted as President, South Asia and will also join the Unilever Leadership Executive, bringing further emerging markets expertise to the executive team.

The roles of President Europe and EVP SEAA will not be replaced. The country organisations in these regions will report into the COO.

Unilever CEO Alan Jope said: "Today's increasingly fragmented consumer, channel and media environment requires us to operate with more speed and agility than ever before. With his deep knowledge and experience of our markets, Nitin is ideally placed to work with me and the Unilever Leadership Executive to drive our performance and help deliver our growth ambitions.

"I am delighted that Hanneke will assume Nitin's leadership of our Foods & Refreshment Division after her strong performance in Europe, and that Peter and Sanjiv, both of whom have long track records of success across a diverse range of senior management roles in the company, will join the Unilever Leadership Executive.

"I would also like to thank Kees for his significant contribution to Unilever. He has been an exceptional leader whose vision, performance and energy has been an inspiration to us all. Kees' pioneering leadership of our North America cluster and Home Care Division - turning both into purpose-led, future-fit businesses - has been instrumental to the company's recent success. In particular, his work on transforming our portfolio, through the acquisition of brands including Dollar Shave Club, Seventh Generation and Shea Moisture, has been critical to position us to win in the high-growth segments of the future. We wish him all the best for the future."

All changes will be effective from 1 May 2019.

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