Updated 12:49 p.m. ET Oct. 23 LONDON — Beauty and well-being sales are steaming ahead at Unilever, and drove underlying group sales growth of 3.9 percent to 14.7 billion euros in the third fiscal quarter. More from WWD The consumer giant said in a trading update on Thursday that in the three months to Sept. 30, the beauty and well-being division reported underlying sales growth of 5.1 percent to 3.2 billion euros. Growth in that division was the highest in the group, which saw overall sales at actual exc ...

Core Insights - Vasiliki Petrou, a seasoned beauty executive, has launched Veralis Group Ltd to support founders in the beauty, wellness, longevity, and consumer health sectors [1] - Petrou previously built Unilever Prestige into a 1.4 billion-euro division through an M&A strategy over a decade [1][2] Company Overview - Veralis Group Ltd aims to create ecosystems that benefit all stakeholders involved, emphasizing collaboration with inspiring partners [1] - Petrou's leadership style is characterized by a founder-first approach, avoiding one-size-fits-all solutions [2] Acquisition Strategy - Petrou led significant acquisitions at Unilever, starting with Dermalogica in 2015 for approximately $1 billion, and expanded the division to include 11 brands by her departure in June 2024 [2] - The last acquisition under her leadership was K18 Biomimetic Hair Science, showcasing her focus on innovative brands [2] Professional Background - Prior to her role at Unilever, Petrou held various positions at Procter & Gamble for nearly 19 years, including global managing director and marketing director [3] - She also served as vice president of personal care at Unilever, demonstrating her extensive experience in the beauty and personal care industry [3] Personal Insights - Petrou is known for her distinctive style, often opting for vibrant colors and bold patterns, reflecting her unique approach to business [4] - Her educational background includes a master's degree in American literature and an MBA from Columbia University, indicating a strong foundation in both the arts and business [4]

Core Viewpoint - Unilever's financial performance in the first half of 2025 shows a decline in overall revenue but indicates a positive trend in strategic transformation and market focus, particularly in the Chinese market [2][4][30]. Financial Performance - Total revenue for the first half of 2025 was €3.01 billion (approximately ¥24.76 billion), a year-on-year decrease of 3.2%, primarily due to currency fluctuations (-4.0%) and business adjustments (-2.5%), while underlying sales grew by 3.4% [2]. - Operating profit was €530 million (approximately ¥4.37 billion), reflecting a significant year-on-year drop of 10.6% [2]. Strategic Focus - CEO Fernando Fernandez emphasized the importance of "focus" and "agility" in driving growth, highlighting the company's strategic correctness in both developed and emerging markets [4]. - Unilever is undergoing a profound transformation, with plans to spin off its ice cream business and leverage influencer marketing as a new growth engine [4][12]. China Market Insights - In China, Unilever's underlying sales saw a slight decline in the first half, but improvements were noted in the second quarter, suggesting that recent adjustments are beginning to yield results [6][26]. - The company is accelerating premiumization and localized innovation, exemplified by the launch of the Vaseline Water Radiance Body Essence series tailored for Chinese consumers [8][27]. Regional Performance - Revenue contributions from developed markets (44%) and emerging markets (56%) showed growth rates of 4.3% and 2.8%, respectively, indicating that the Chinese market is crucial for the group's return to positive growth [10][30]. - The beauty and personal care segments generated €650 million (approximately ¥5.35 billion) in revenue, with underlying sales growth of 3.7% and 4.8% [10]. Business Restructuring - Unilever is actively engaged in mergers and acquisitions, focusing on high-end beauty and personal care brands, while divesting non-core assets to optimize its business portfolio [13][16]. - The company has made several acquisitions, including a 90.5% stake in the high-end beauty brand Minimalist and the purchase of the UK-based eco-friendly personal care brand Wild [16][17]. Marketing Strategy - Unilever is shifting towards a "influencer-first" strategy, planning to increase social media spending from 30% to 50% of its total advertising budget and expand collaborations with influencers [18][19]. - This strategy aims to enhance brand relevance and connection with younger consumers, particularly in the beauty sector [20]. Future Directions - Unilever's three core development directions include enhancing beauty and health, increasing investments in the U.S. and Indian markets, and deepening high-end and digital transformation [22][23][24]. - The company anticipates a rebound in the Chinese market, supported by regional growth and strategic adjustments, with expectations of a sales growth rate between 3% and 5% for the full year [30][29].