Unilever names Gina Boswell as new GM for UK & Ireland
Pitkethly has served in the role since July 2014 and has held a number of senior financial roles within Unilever over the last 13 years, and will replace Jean-Marc Huet as company CFO, who is stepping down on October 1, 2015.
Gina Boswell, who will take up the vacated position of general manager for the UK & Ireland business, will move over from the US at the start of next week, having spent the past four years overseeing Unilever’s Personal Care division from its New York office.
“I am delighted to be taking on this role in one of the most diverse and competitive markets in the world,” she says.
“The UK has a sophisticated consumer base and a dynamic retail environment and I look forward to building on the strong foundations of Unilever UK brands.”
Boswell, who was once named Marketer of the Year by Women's Wear Daily, brings a host of knowledge and experience to the role, particularly given her personal care credentials.
In her time at Unilever, she has overseen the launch of Simple, among the best-selling skin care brands in the UK, in America along with hair care brand Clear.
Prior to that, she was president of global brand at Alberto Culver before it was purchased by Unilever in 2011, and chief operating officer at Avon North America.
Given that Unilever has been on the acquisition trail, particularly in skin care, this year, and with personal care very much a key focus for the company, it is hoped that Boswell’s expertise will help drive the company’s brands on going forward, given that growth has stalled slightly of late.
New CFO
Pitkethly, meanwhile, will take up his new role as CFO next month following a transition period.
“We welcome Graeme as Unilever’s Chief Financial Officer and a member of the Unilever Leadership Executive as of 1 October 2015,” says company CEO, Paul Polman.
“His broad financial experience, deep operating knowledge and track-record in both business and people development make him an ideal addition to help Unilever through the next stages of its transformation to a sustainable competitive and profitable company in its industry.”
