Unilever, one of the world’s largest consumer goods companies, has announced a comprehensive review of its top 200 leadership roles as part of a broader turnaround strategy aimed at improving performance and profitability.
The company revealed the plan during the Barclays Global Consumer Staples Conference held on September 3, 2025, stating that it intends to “refresh” 25% of these roles to better align with its evolving business priorities.
This move follows a series of organizational changes, including the replacement of former CEO Hein Schumacher in February 2025.
Fernando Fernandez, previously the company’s Chief Financial Officer, now leads the group and is accelerating the revamp plans initiated by his predecessor.
7,500 Global Job Cuts Already Underway
The leadership role review is part of a wider restructuring effort that includes trimming 7,500 jobs globally.
These reductions are aimed at addressing underperformance across business units and boosting operating margins.
The company has not disclosed the specific geographies or departments affected, but the scale of the cuts suggests a significant impact across its global footprint.
Unilever’s decision to streamline its workforce comes amid increasing pressure to deliver stronger financial results and adapt to changing consumer behavior.
The company has faced criticism in recent years for sluggish growth and operational inefficiencies, prompting calls for more decisive action.
Financial Targets Reaffirmed Despite Restructuring
Despite the ongoing changes, Unilever reaffirmed its financial targets for 2025.
The company aims to achieve 3% to 5% sales growth and maintain an underlying operating margin above 18.9%.
These targets reflect a cautious optimism that the restructuring will yield measurable improvements in performance.
At the conference, Fernando emphasized the need for sharper execution and more agile leadership.
The review of top roles is expected to bring in fresh perspectives and capabilities, particularly in areas such as digital transformation, supply chain optimization, and sustainability.
Unilever Employee Sentiment and Organizational Impact
The company positioned the leadership refresh as a strategic move, but employees have raised concerns about job security and organizational stability.
Unilever’s unclear communication about which roles will be affected has sparked speculation within internal circles.
Industry observers emphasize that companies must handle such reviews with transparency and sensitivity to maintain morale and retain key talent.
Unilever’s ability to communicate the rationale and expected outcomes of the review will be critical in navigating this transition.
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