Paul Polman

One of the world’s foremost businesspeople, Paul Polman OBE, has thrived in such roles as Unilever’s CEO and Nestlé’s Chief Financial Officer and Head of the Americas. Recently, he founded IMAGINE, an organisation committed to eradicating poverty, inequality, and tackling the climate crisis. As a corporate and public speaker, Paul can talk on a wide range of topics within business and beyond, making him an exciting addition to events of all shapes and sizes.

Paul is best known for his position at Unilever, where he was the CEO for ten years. In this role, he proved that the key to financial performance is a long-term, multi-stakeholder model – a popular topic at his corporate engagements that equips businesses with skills for generating profits. As a speaker and business leader, Paul promotes the idea that “business should be a force for good”, a mindset that led him to be titled a “standout CEO” by the Financial Times.

For a decade, Paul’s core goal was to improve Unilever’s carbon footprint through his Unilever Sustainable Living Plan. He believed that corporate sustainability leads to long-term growth, proven via the company’s unrivalled success under Paul’s leadership. Continuing his passion for our planet, Paul was also a member of the UN Secretary General’s High-Level Panel and played a key part in the Sustainable Development Goals, to ensure the 2030 development agenda.

With his high-profile, global roles, Paul supplies actionable strategies that will reduce audiences’ carbon footprint and set businesses on a path to net-zero. Paul also wrote ‘Net Positive’, a guide for business leaders wanting to build socially and environmentally conscious companies. The book was longlisted for the Financial Times and McKinsey Business Book of the Year Award in 2021.

Aside from his corporate roles, Paul has invested in philanthropic ventures as the Chair of IMAGINE, a social venture dedicated to systems change. He is also the Chair of the Saïd Business School, Honorary Chair of the International Chamber of Commerce and Vice-Chair of the UN Global Compact. In recognition of his commitment, Paul was awarded the Rainforest Alliance Lifetime Achievement Award and the INSEAD Business Leader for the World Award.

As a business leader and social campaigner, Paul's commitment to the planet and its people will inspire audiences to fight for a better future. Paul’s perspective as a CEO resonates with businesses leaders attending his engagements, making him the perfect speaker for corporate conferences. Contact our team today and hire Paul to discuss sustainability and corporate social responsibility at your event.