Unilever Chief’s Determination To Get Back To Core Values Is Paying Off

Unilever CEO Paul Polman believes his job since 2009 has been to “understand the values” of the 150-year-old company that made it successful in the first place, and to keep applying those values in all strategic decisions related to growth. His approach has worked after years of marginal growth. Even during the global recession the company grew rapidly and posted record profits. Among the main emphases: selling the company’s 400 brands in emerging markets; stressing environmental and social goals while working to double sales; and nurturing employees to be successful. “And then you see what this enormous energy is that you can unleash,” Polman says.