Paul Polman

Paul Polman (born 11 July 1956) is a Dutch businessman who served as the CEO of Unilever from 2009 to 2019. Polman has been recognized for his commitment to sustainability and corporate responsibility, and he has been a leading advocate for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and action on climate change.

Early Life and Education

Paul Polman was born in Enschede, Netherlands, in 1956. He earned a BBA/BA from the University of Groningen in the Netherlands and later received an MA in Economics and an MBA in finance and international marketing from the University of Cincinnati in the United States.

Career

Before joining Unilever, Polman had a long career in the consumer goods industry. He started his career at Procter & Gamble in 1979, where he worked for 27 years, holding various positions including Group President Europe and Officer of the Procter & Gamble Company. In 2006, he joined Nestlé as Chief Financial Officer and later became the executive vice president for the Americas.

In 2009, Polman was appointed CEO of Unilever, where he shifted the company's focus towards sustainable growth and long-term value creation, challenging the conventional focus on short-term profits. Under his leadership, Unilever set out the Unilever Sustainable Living Plan, aiming to decouple its growth from its environmental footprint, while increasing its positive social impact.

Sustainability and Advocacy

Polman has been a vocal advocate for sustainable business practices and has played a significant role in promoting the Sustainable Development Goals and climate action. He has argued that businesses should serve all their stakeholders, including society and the planet, not just shareholders. Polman has been involved in various global organizations and initiatives aimed at promoting sustainability, including the World Business Council for Sustainable Development, the United Nations Global Compact, and the B Team, co-founded by Richard Branson and Jochen Zeitz.

Awards and Recognition

Throughout his career, Polman has received numerous awards and honors for his leadership in sustainability and corporate responsibility. These include the Rainforest Alliance Lifetime Achievement Award, the UN Environment Programme's Champion of the Earth award, and the Oslo Business for Peace Award.

Post-Unilever Career

After stepping down as CEO of Unilever in 2019, Polman has continued to advocate for sustainable business practices and climate action. He co-founded Imagine, a social venture accelerating business leadership to achieve the global goals, and has been involved in various other initiatives and organizations focused on sustainability and ethical leadership.

Legacy

Paul Polman is widely regarded as a pioneer in the movement towards more sustainable and responsible business practices. His leadership at Unilever and beyond has shown that it is possible for companies to achieve financial success while also making a positive impact on society and the environment.