As part of its ongoing evolution, Unilever is witnessing a significant change in its corporate leadership. The company is experiencing a leadership transition as Rebecca Marmot, a notable figure in sustainability, has announced her departure from her role as Chief Sustainability and Corporate Affairs Officer. This decision marks the close of Marmot’s impactful journey over the past six years at Unilever, a tenure characterized by dedication to sustainability practices within the global consumer brands leader. Her departure highlights the dynamic and transformative nature of leadership transitions in the corporate sustainability landscape.
Rebecca Marmot joined Unilever in 2007 and made significant advancements, eventually becoming Chief Sustainability Officer in 2019. Prior to Marmot’s appointment, sustainability efforts were largely managed by separate departments, highlighting a dedicated approach in recent years. Marmot’s 2025 title change, which combined corporate affairs with sustainability, reflected a trend toward a holistic management of social and environmental initiatives within corporations. This approach to merging responsibilities in corporate leadership roles is steadily gaining traction across various industries, aiming for an integrated approach to corporate affairs and sustainable impact.
Who is Succeeding Marmot?
Michael Stewart, who has a rich history in corporate affairs at firms like PwC and Edelman, is set to succeed Marmot at Unilever. Stewart joined the company in October as Chief Corporate Affairs and Communications Officer. While he will now lead sustainability efforts, his title does not encompass the role of Chief Sustainability Officer. Stewart’s broad experience positions him as a vital asset in steering Unilever’s strategic initiatives in sustainability and communications.
What Has Been Marmot’s Contribution?
Throughout her tenure, Marmot significantly impacted Unilever’s global sustainability strategy, merging various departments for unified operational efficacy. Her contributions are noted for pushing forward key corporate social responsibility frameworks and maintaining Unilever’s reputation as a leader in sustainability. Her stepping down occurs as sustainable practices continue to be a central focus for consumer product giants, maintaining relevance even as leadership shifts occur.
Marmot announced her forthcoming departure in a LinkedIn post, highlighting the mixed emotions associated with her transition. She expressed a blend of anticipation and nostalgia:
“I feel excited about the future but it’s also been a wrench to leave. Leading Unilever’s external engagement and sustainability work globally has been absolutely brilliant.”
As Marmot embarks on a new opportunity, this highlights the ever-evolving nature of careers in sustainability roles, where change is both a challenge and an opportunity.
Unilever’s decision to merge leadership roles in corporate affairs and sustainability reflects a growing trend within large organizations to streamline such functions. Michael Stewart’s appointment might indicate a shift towards a more integrated approach to corporate management, aligning communication with sustainable objectives. Corporate restructuring like this can affect how companies are perceived in their commitment to sustainability.
With the transition announced, companies are increasingly faced with the challenge of maintaining momentum in sustainability while adapting to evolving leadership structures. Efforts to integrate sustainability into broader corporate strategies are becoming more common, and Unilever’s decision aligns with this narrative. The success of such transitions often relies on the seamless adaptation of new leaders in sustaining forward-directed initiatives and balancing innovative strategies with established practices.
Leading global companies often restructure roles to achieve more effective governance of sustainability and corporate affairs. This move by Unilever emphasizes a persistent commitment to sustainability while redefining leadership frameworks, reflecting broader industry trends towards integrated management. Companies need to continue evolving their strategies and leadership roles to adapt to the complexities of modern corporate governance and sustainability challenges.
