Unilever PLC (LSE:ULVR) has appointed Ian Meakins as chair designate to succeed Nils Andersen who is stepping down from the board next May.
The maker of Marmite and Ben & Jerry’s said Meakins will join as a non-executive director in September and become chair on December 1
The FTSE 100-listed firm Andersen would step down from the board said after the AGM in May 2024.
Meakins is currently chair of Compass Group PLC (LSE:CPG) and Rexel SA, and has significant global business experience across a diverse range of industries, Unilever said in a statement.
He served as chief executive of Wolseley PLC from 2009 to 2016, chief executive of Travelex Holdings from 2007 to 2009 and as chief executive of Alliance Unichem PLC from 2004, until its merger with Boots in 2006. Previously he held positions at Diageo, Bain & Company, and Procter & Gamble (NYSE:PG).
Andersen said: "I am delighted to welcome Ian to the board following a thorough global search process. Ian has a strong track record of success in executive and non-executive roles across a range of industries. I am sure Unilever will greatly benefit from his extensive experience and I am confident that he will provide the Board with strong and effective leadership."
Hein Schumacher, Unilever CEO, said: "On behalf of the board, I would like to thank Nils for his excellent leadership of our company as chair over the last four years.”