Unilever streamlines marketing operations

Packaged goods giant Unilever UK has announced it is fast-tracking plans to restructure its sales and marketing team as part of its One Unilever programme to increase the competitiveness of the UK business.

†Packaged goods giant Unilever UK has announced it is fast-tracking plans to restructure its sales and marketing team as part of its One Unilever programme to increase the competitiveness of the UK business.

As part of the revamp, the management team is to be reduced to two marketing directors, Paul Nevett and Matt Close. Nevett will be responsible for food marketing, while home and personal care, will be handled by Close. Both will report into chairman Dave Lewis.

The pair will be responsible for Unilever UK’s £190m media budget across its portfolio of 28 brands.

The initiative to streamline operations is aimed at creating “a leaner, simpler business focused on executing brilliant consumer and shopper insight and category innovation to our retail customers”.

Unilever UK chairman Dave Lewis adds: “The fortunes of our business have improved recently. The next change accelerates our transformation and affords us the opportunity to grow more consistently and rapidly. The organisation will retain its deep brand and category knowledge, but will be simpler and faster with a greater emphasis on our retail customers.”

The company says it aims to focus its marketing efforts and work more closely with retail partners.