Paul Polman

Paul Polman is a globally recognised business leader, investor and philanthropist, widely regarded as one of the most influential voices in modern capitalism. A sought-after keynote speaker, Paul is best known for his role as Chief Executive Officer of Unilever, where he transformed one of the world’s largest consumer goods companies into a benchmark for responsible and sustainable business. His defining achievement was proving that long-term value creation, social impact and strong financial performance can go hand in hand, a message that resonates powerfully with business audiences worldwide.

Paul’s early career laid the foundations for his distinctive leadership philosophy. After studying economics and business in the Netherlands and the United States, he joined Procter & Gamble, where he spent more than 20 years in senior international roles. His progression included Managing Director of P&G UK, President of Global Fabric Care, and Group President for Europe, giving him first-hand experience of leading complex organisations across cultures and markets. These formative years shaped Paul’s belief in investing in people, building trusted brands and taking a long-term view, principles that would later define his approach at the very top of global business. He went on to join Nestlé as Chief Financial Officer and Head of the Americas, gaining deep expertise in governance, capital markets and stakeholder relations.

Paul’s most prominent career chapter began with his appointment as CEO of Unilever in 2008, a position he held until 2019. During this period, he launched the Unilever Sustainable Living Plan, embedding sustainability into the core strategy of the business. Under his leadership, Unilever delivered a 290 percent increase in shareholder returns, was repeatedly recognised as the world’s most sustainable company, and consistently ranked among the best employers globally. Beyond the corporate sphere, Paul played a pivotal role on the UN Secretary-General’s High-Level Panel on the Sustainable Development Goals, advocating for the private sector’s responsibility in achieving the 2030 Agenda. His influence has been recognised through honours including Honorary Knight Commander of the Order of the British Empire, France’s Légion d’honneur, the Oslo Business for Peace Award, and being ranked number one by Thinkers50 in 2025.

Today, Paul is hired as a keynote speaker because he combines moral authority with real-world leadership experience. He speaks on purpose-driven leadership, sustainable finance, climate action, inclusive growth and building ‘net positive’ organisations, drawing on decisions made in boardrooms, governments and global institutions. Paul currently advises major companies and impact funds, serves on influential boards, and has held roles including Vice Chair of the UN Global Compact and Chair of Oxford Saïd Business School. Audiences value his clarity, credibility and practical insight, leaving inspired to lead with courage, responsibility and long-term ambition in an increasingly complex world.