Activist shareholder and billionaire Nelson Peltz has held talks with two potential candidates to succeed Unilever CEO Alan Jope. This is reported by the Reuters news agency, citing sources.
In September, it was announced that Jope would retire at the end of next year.
The American Peltz is interested in Unilever through his investment company Trian Fund Management. He also serves on the company’s board behind brands such as Hellmann’s, Dove and Knorr.
Reuters has conducted talks with former chief executives of consumer goods companies in recent weeks. Reuters did not name the possible candidates, but according to the sources, they have not previously led the American Procter & Gamble, where Peltz was previously a director.
Unilever is itself engaged in an internal search for a successor to Jope. Fabian Garcia, who heads Unilever’s personal care arm, is said to be the lead candidate. Other possible successors, according to sources, are financial director Graeme Pitkethly and Hanneke Faber, president of the food branch of Unilever.