Paul Polman

Paul Polman is a renowned sustainability keynote speaker, celebrated globally for his transformative leadership in the business world. With a career spanning over four decades, Paul has become a pioneer in aligning business success with environmental and social responsibility, inspiring industries to prioritise purpose alongside profit.

Paul’s career began at Procter & Gamble, where he spent 27 years in various leadership roles, including Group President for Europe. He then joined Nestlé as Chief Financial Officer and later President of the Americas, sharpening his expertise in managing global operations. However, he is best known for his decade-long tenure as CEO of Unilever (2009–2018), where he revolutionised the company by introducing the Unilever Sustainable Living Plan. This groundbreaking initiative aimed to decouple Unilever’s growth from its environmental footprint while enhancing its positive social impact, establishing the company as a global leader in sustainability.

Under his leadership, Unilever consistently ranked first in the Dow Jones Sustainability Index, delivered a 290% shareholder return, and became a benchmark for purpose-driven business practices. Beyond corporate leadership, Paul co-founded IMAGINE, a social enterprise designed to help businesses achieve the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). He also played a pivotal role in shaping the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development as a member of the UN Secretary-General’s High-Level Panel, and he continues to serve as a UN SDG Advocate.

Paul’s influence extends across various industries through his leadership roles. He is the Chair of Saïd Business School at the University of Oxford, Chair of The Valuable 500, and a Co-Founder of The Fashion Pact, a global coalition addressing sustainability in the fashion industry. He is also the co-author of ‘Net Positive: How Courageous Companies Thrive by Giving More Than They Take’, a critically acclaimed book that inspires businesses to embrace sustainable, purpose-driven strategies.

As a keynote speaker, Paul Polman captivates audiences with his bold vision and practical insights, demonstrating how businesses can thrive by tackling societal and environmental challenges. Drawing on his extensive experience, Paul delivers powerful messages on leadership, sustainability, and systemic change, motivating organisations to embrace innovation and take meaningful action toward a more equitable and sustainable future.