Unilever promotes Hanny van Amerongen to Chief R&D Officer for Personal Care

By Amanda May | Published: 3-Jul-2026

Van Amerongen, who has worked for Unilever for more than 14 years, will now oversee research and innovation in the consumer goods giant’s personal care division, which includes brands Dove, Rexona, LUX and Axe

Unilever has promoted company veteran Hanny van Amerongen to Chief R&D Officer for Personal Care.

Van Amerongen, a seasoned R&D leader with experience shaping product development pipelines and high impact innovations, has worked for Unilever for more than 14 years.

She most recently served as VP R&D Global Innovation Foods and Unilever Food Solutions for the British consumer goods giant.

This appointment is the latest move by Unilever to double down on its beauty, personal care, wellness and home care business after divesting its food division this year.

Dove, Dove Men+Care, Rexona, LUX, Axe and Lifebuoy are just a few of the brands in Unilever’s personal care portfolio.  

Van Amerongen took to LinkedIn to post about her “new chapter”, where she will oversee research and innovation in personal care at Unilever. 


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She said: “Over the past weeks, I have had the opportunity to begin my onboarding journey and visit several of our global R&D centres.

“I have been deeply impressed by the strength of our science, the quality of our capabilities, and, most of all, the passion and expertise of our people.

“What stands out clearly is the depth of talent across this community and the exciting work already underway to shape the future of personal care through science, technology and innovation.

“I am excited about what lies ahead, and look forward to learning more and connecting with many of you in the coming weeks.”

As Unilever’s VP R&D Global Innovation Foods and Unilever Food Solutions, van Amerongen led the company’s food business R&D end-to-end.

She was also in charge of the global innovation, packaging and consumer insights for the total foods business.

Other senior roles van Amerongen has held at Unilever include Global R&D Director Foods, Digital R&D Director, and R&D Manager Personal Care Europe. 

Lead image credit: Adobe Stock. 

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