Unilever named Royal FrieslandCampina boss Hein Schumacher as its next chief executive officer, bringing forward Alan Jope’s replacement after strategy mishaps frustrated investors including Nelson Peltz.
The maker of Dove soap and Ben & Jerry’s ice cream is accelerating its leadership transition, and the new CEO will take over from Jope on July 1 instead of at the end of the year, following a one-month handover.
Schumacher, 51, has experience working at H.J. Heinz and grocer Royal Ahold NV. While an external candidate, he began his career at Unilever decades ago.
Schumacher’s appointment comes after a difficult period for Unilever and Jope.