Unilever Names Fernando Fernandez CEO as Hein Schumacher Steps Down

Unilever has announced a sudden CEO transition, with Fernando Fernandez set to take over as Chief Executive Officer following the immediate departure of Hein Schumacher.

Schumacher, who had been in the role for just under a year, is stepping down effective immediately. The company did not provide a detailed reason for the abrupt leadership change. Fernando Fernandez, currently President of Unilever’s Beauty & Wellbeing business group, will assume the CEO position and join the Board of Directors.

Fernandez has been with Unilever for over two decades and is credited with accelerating growth and innovation within the beauty portfolio — a strategic focus area for the company. His appointment signals continuity in the company’s ongoing transformation plan, which includes simplifying operations and driving margin expansion.

corpbrief insight:

CEO transitions always carry weight — but sudden ones signal urgency. By elevating Fernandez, Unilever is leaning on deep institutional knowledge to steady the course while reinforcing its commitment to core category growth.