A message from Michael Treschow
Michael Treschow became the first independent Non-Executive Chairman of the Boards of Unilever in May 2007.
When I joined Unilever in May 2007 I was aware that the Unilever Executive led by Patrick Cescau was driving a process of sweeping change aimed at transforming the Group. Since then I have visited a number of Unilever operations in Asia and Europe. I have met with many employees and learned a great deal about the brands which the Group sells and the technology which underpins them. I have also spoken to investors to get their perceptions of the business.
All of these encounters have confirmed the preconceptions which I had before joining the Group: Unilever is a business with an extraordinary portfolio of brands, talented people, deep roots in developing and emerging markets, a strong commitment to sustainability and a distinctive corporate culture.
The Group’s strong performance in 2007, with higher growth and an improvement in underlying margin, is something about which the entire business can feel proud. It is also further validation that the strategy being pursued by Patrick and his team is the right one, and that this strategy is being executed very effectively.
This strategy with its sharp focus on Vitality products, developing markets and faster growing product areas like personal care has dramatically changed the business. The structure is much leaner and simpler. It is enabling Unilever to maximise its considerable advantages of buying, manufacturing and marketing scale.
Some of the restructuring which has taken place has led to a reduction in employee numbers. Decisions which have an impact on employees’ lives and livelihoods are never taken lightly. However, I have been impressed and reassured by the caring and responsible way in which the Group has executed these changes.
Read the rest of my statement - The Boards in 2007
