Unilever Appoints Belén Garijo López to Board

Unilever PLC is set to welcome a new independent Non-Executive Director, Belén Garijo López, who will assume her role on May 13, 2026. This strategic appointment is poised to bring a wealth of diverse experience to the company's leadership.

Garijo currently holds the distinguished position of Chair of the Executive Board and Chief Executive Officer at Merck Group, a tenure that will conclude in April 2026. Her extensive background includes serving on the board of Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria (BBVA) and a decade as a Non-Executive Director at L'Oréal, from 2014 to 2024. This broad experience, spanning fast-moving consumer goods, healthcare, and significant global business transformations, is expected to provide substantial value to Unilever's strategic direction.

Ian Meakins, the current Chair of Unilever, emphasized that Garijo's proven leadership in major international organizations will significantly bolster Unilever's governance and strategic oversight. Her inclusion on the board underscores Unilever's commitment to fostering diverse leadership and leveraging global expertise to effectively navigate the evolving competitive landscape and regulatory challenges inherent in its consumer goods portfolio.

The addition of accomplished leaders like Belén Garijo López reflects a forward-thinking approach to corporate governance. By integrating varied industry perspectives and extensive international experience, companies can better adapt to dynamic markets and emerging challenges. Such appointments not only strengthen leadership teams but also inspire confidence in stakeholders, paving the way for sustained growth and resilience in an increasingly complex global economy.