Unilever Names Fernando Fernandez CEO as Hein Schumacher Steps Down

Hein Schumacher is stepping down from the role of CEO.

Hein Schumacher’s Time at Unilever

Fernandez takes over for Hein Schumacher, who is stepping down from the role on March 1 by mutual agreement with Unilever, exiting the company entirely on May 31. 

Schumacher joined as the company’s leader in 2023 following a massive global search process. He brought an extensive track record in sustainability-minded, supply chain overhauls. Unilever was undergoing its own supply chain transformation at the time Schumacher joined the company.

In 2024, Unilever expanded a collaborative end-to-end supply chain model to key global customers after a successful Walmart Mexico pilot, initiated in 2022, delivered on-shelf availability rates of over 98%. 

It’s part of an effort to achieve what they termed “One Supply Chain” — a model that seeks to accelerate end-to-end visibility of the supply chain, including promotional planning and execution. It is synchronized and optimized by the company’s proprietary artificial intelligence solution, Juan-Carlos Parada, Unilever’s global head of customer operation, previously told CGT.

Read more about Unilever’s supply chain goals

Aligned with those goals, Schumacher launched the company’s productivity program to drive growth through a leaner, more focused approach supported by investments in tech. It coincided with the company’s announcement to create a spin-off business solely for ice cream as it focused on four core business groups: Beauty & Wellness, Personal Care, Home Care, and Nutrition. 

“On behalf of the board, I would like to thank Hein for resetting Unilever’s strategy, for the focus and discipline he has brought to the company, and for the solid financial progress delivered during 2024,” said Meakins, who added that the business separation and productivity program remain on track as Schumacher departs.

Schumacher originally replaced Alan Jope, who also stepped down from the role of CEO.