Unilever announced today that its Non-Executive Director Nils Andersen will become its new Chairman after Marijn Dekkers decided to step down with immediate effect.
The consumer goods giant stated that Marijn, who has been Chairman since April 2016, was leaving the role in order to focus on his growing responsibilities as Founder and Chairman of Novalis LifeSciences, an investment and advisory firm. He will continue to serve as a Non-Executive Director of Unilever.
Andersen has served on the Unilever Board since April 2015. His previous roles have included CEO of A.P. Moller – Maersk A/S from 2007 to 2016 and President and CEO of Carlsberg from 2001 to 2007.
As Chairman of Unilever, he will support new Chief Executive Alan Jope in trying to navigate a recent dip in emerging market sales growth and reinvigorate the company’s performance in North America and Europe.
Andersen said: “On behalf of the Board, I would like to thank Marijn for his strong leadership and the contribution he has made as Chairman. I am very proud to have been asked to succeed Marijn and I look forward to working with the Board and the Unilever Leadership team to support the company’s continued growth.”
