Paul Polman

Date of Birth: July 11, 1956

Zodiac Sign: Cancer

Biography

Paul Polman is a renowned Dutch businessman best known for his tenure as the CEO of Unilever, one of the world’s largest consumer goods companies. Born in the Netherlands, Polman has had a storied career in the business world, marked by his commitment to sustainable and ethical business practices. He started his career at Procter & Gamble, where he held various positions over a 26-year period, eventually becoming Group President of Europe. In 2006, Polman joined Nestlé as Chief Financial Officer and Executive Vice President for the Americas. His most notable role, however, came in 2009 when he became the CEO of Unilever. Under his leadership, Unilever saw significant growth and was recognized for its sustainability efforts. Polman has been a vocal advocate for sustainability and corporate responsibility, believing that businesses should play a key role in addressing global challenges such as climate change and inequality. After retiring from Unilever in 2019, he has continued to promote sustainable business practices through various initiatives and organizations.

5 Interesting Facts about Paul Polman

1. Paul Polman was the first outsider to become CEO of Unilever in its 80-year history.

2. He played a key role in developing Unilever’s Sustainable Living Plan, which aimed to decouple the company’s growth from its environmental impact.

3. Polman has received numerous awards for his work in sustainability, including the Rainforest Alliance Lifetime Achievement Award.

4. He co-founded Imagine, a social venture aimed at eradicating poverty and inequality while tackling climate change.

5. Polman is a member of the B Team, an organization of global business leaders advocating for better business practices.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Paul Polman

1. “The cost of inaction far exceeds the cost of action.”

2. “Businesses cannot succeed in societies that fail.”

3. “Sustainability is not a buzzword; it’s a business imperative.”

4. “Leadership is not about being in charge. It’s about taking care of those in your charge.”

5. “We need to move from a linear to a circular economy.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

Paul Polman’s highest net worth achieved is estimated to be around $200 million.

Children

Paul Polman and his wife, Kim, have three children. The family is known to maintain a relatively low profile, keeping their private lives out of the public eye.