Former Unilever CEO Continues to Build Business Case for Sustainability

Polman Sees Vital Role for B Corps and Other Companies in Facing Climate Change and Shifting the Future of Capitalism

Paul Polman was chief executive officer of Unilever from 2009 to 2019. Under his leadership, Unilever set out an ambitious vision to decouple its growth from its overall environmental footprint and increase its positive social impact.

Polman actively seeks cooperation with other companies to implement sustainable business strategies and drive systemic change. He is chairman of the International Chamber of Commerce, chair of the B Team and vice chair of the U.N. Global Compact. He previously served as chairman of the World Business Council for Sustainable Development.

He has been closely involved in global discussions on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and action to tackle climate change. In 2016, Polman was asked by the U.N. Secretary-General to be a member of the SDG Advocacy Group, tasked with promoting action on the 2030 Agenda.