Unilever’s top sustainability chief has stepped down after six years at the helm.
Rebecca Marmot became the consumer goods giant’s Chief Sustainability Officer in 2019, and then expanded her role to Chief Sustainability & Corporate Affairs Officer in January this year.
The executive is a veteran of the company, having held a number of sustainability and communication roles there over nearly two decades.
“Unilever is a fantastic company with incredible people – I am proud to have been a part of it for so long,” said Marmot in a post on LinkedIn announcing her departure.
“I feel hugely grateful and full of energy and optimism.”
Michael Stewart succeeds Marmot as Unilever’s Chief Corporate Affairs and Communications Officer.
In the role, he will also oversee the development of Unilever’s sustainability strategy and lead its global sustainability team, the company confirmed to Cosmetics Business.
Stewart joins from consulting firm PwC where he oversaw all aspects of external and internal communications, public policy, sustainability and reputation management.
He was a member of PwC’s Global Markets Leadership Team, AI Leadership Team, Clients and Industries Leadership Team, and Marketing and Brand Council.
Prior to joining PwC, Stewart spent six years as a member of the global executive committee at PR firm Edelman.
At Edelman, he served three years as President and CEO for Europe and CIS; and three years as Global Vice Chairman, overseeing industries and practices, Edelman Advisory, Edelman Intelligence, and the Edelman Trust Barometer.
Stewart also spent 12 years at management consultancy McKinsey, including as Partner and Global Director of Communications and Marketing.
He brings to the new role experience in the social sector with UN-affiliated organisations focused on sustainability and public-private partnerships.
These include the Prince of Wales International Business Leaders Forum, the UN Global Compact, the inaugural UN Earth Summit and the Centre for Our Common Future, and the International Association of Students in Business and Economics (AIESEC).
