Unilever chief executive Alan Jope has informed the British company’s board that he is to retire by the end of 2023 after five years in the role.
The personal care giant will proceed with a formal search for a successor and will consider both internal and external candidates.
Jope was appointed chief executive in 2019 after five years leading Unilever's Beauty & Wellbeing and Personal Care Division.
“As I approach my fifth year as CEO, 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,” he said.
“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.”
Unilever Chairman Nils Andersen said: “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.”
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.”
