Unilever PLC has appointed Srinivas Phatak as its new Chief Financial Officer and member of the board, effective immediately.
The appointment comes after a seven-month search, during which Phatak served as acting CFO, stepping up from his previous role as Deputy CFO and Group Controller. The leadership transition follows Fernando Fernandez’s move from CFO to Chief Executive Officer in March 2025, after Hein Schumacher’s departure.
Unilever said the board’s unanimous decision reflected Phatak’s “industry and functional experience and success” demonstrated while serving as acting CFO. Fernandez praised the appointment, noting Phatak’s financial discipline, strategic clarity, and focus on value creation. “His leadership and constructive challenge will be very valuable in driving consistent volume growth, margin expansion, and advancing our growth story,” Fernandez added.
Phatak, who joined Unilever as a Finance Manager in 1999, has spent 26 years with the company. Alongside his new role, he has been appointed to the Unilever Leadership Executive and board, and he continues to serve as an Independent Non-Executive Director on the board of Coats Group plc.
Unilever disclosed Phatak’s remuneration details, including an annual fixed salary of €1.175 million, eligibility for annual bonuses and performance-based awards, and localisation support in line with the company’s existing policy.
