Unilever(UK)(US:UL) Bei Jing Shang Bao·2025-11-14 09:53Core Viewpoint - Unilever's current CEO Hein Schumacher will officially resign on March 1, 2024, with CFO Fernando Fernandez set to take over, raising concerns about the unfinished aggressive reforms during Schumacher's tenure and the company's stagnant performance [1][5]. Group 1: Leadership Changes - Hein Schumacher, who took over as CEO in July 2023, is known for his aggressive reform approach, having previously led significant changes at FrieslandCampina and Heinz [2][3]. - During Schumacher's tenure, over half of Unilever's leadership team underwent changes, including key positions such as CFO and heads of various business units [3]. Group 2: Reform Initiatives - Schumacher introduced the "Growth Action Plan" shortly after his appointment, which included divesting non-core businesses, laying off 7,500 employees, and optimizing the brand portfolio [2]. - The reforms were seen as radical compared to Unilever's previous more conservative approaches to growth and sustainability [3][4]. Group 3: Performance Metrics - Despite some successes, such as record sales in 2024 and strong growth in the beauty segment, overall performance remained lackluster, with total sales reaching €60.8 billion, a 1.9% increase, while operating profit fell by 3.7% to €9.4 billion [5]. - The Asia-Pacific region accounted for 42.8% of Unilever's revenue in 2024, but the Chinese market experienced a decline, highlighting ongoing challenges [6][7]. Group 4: Future Challenges - New CEO Fernando Fernandez faces the challenge of restoring growth, particularly in the crucial Chinese market, where strategies will focus on enhancing business capabilities and leveraging e-commerce [6][7]. - Industry experts note that Unilever's multi-brand strategy in the beauty sector may not provide a competitive edge, especially as the Chinese beauty market undergoes significant changes [7].