Meet Rebecca Marmot, Unileverās Chief Sustainability Officer
Since joining Unilever in 2007, Rebecca Marmot has championed eco-friendly practices, making one of the world’s largest consumer goods companies a leader in sustainability.
Under her leadership, Unilever has played a crucial role in major sustainability milestones, including the creation of the UN Sustainable Development Goals in 2015.
More recently, Rebecca led Unilever’s calls for the EU to maintain the stringency of its reporting directives, as the Omnibus package threatened to oversimplify the sustainability obligations of companies.
She is also behind the company’s desire to see a Global Plastics Treaty. Unilever is one the highest polluting companies in the world when it comes to plastic waste, but Rebecca wants to change this.
Her impact extends beyond Unilever, too. She actively advocates for global water access and in 2023 she presented at the UN’s Water Conference, making the business case for joint funding and action to provide clean water for all by 2030.
But how did her journey in sustainability first begin?
Early career and professional journey
Rebecca brings a huge variety of experiences to her role as Chief Sustainability Officer at Unilever.
She started her career in the world of PR and marketing, before moving into consultancy work.
Later, she moved into politics, working in External Affairs at the UK Department for Trade & Industry.
She took her skills into the corporate world after that, serving as Global External Affairs Director at L’Oréal, guiding the cosmetic company’s stakeholder management and strategic communications.
She came to Unilever just as the financial crisis of 2007-2009 was beginning to happen.
“We had an opportunity in the strength and breadth of our products to make a more sustainable contribution to macro-level problems exacerbated by the fall of the banking system,” she says.
Global impact and advocacy
Rebecca’s strategic vision extends far beyond corporate boundaries.
She has been instrumental in positioning Unilever as a global leader in sustainable business, contributing to landmark international initiatives such as the 2015 Paris Accord and the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
After initial negotiations for the Global Plastics Treaty broke down in late 2024, Rebecca was disappointed.
"We were hoping — and have worked extensively — for an international legally binding instrument that would harmonise the policy landscape, strengthen national legislation and help businesses scale proven solutions for priority sectors, such as packaging."
Water and sanitation initiatives
A standout moment in her leadership came at the UN 2023 Water Conference, where she collaborated with UNICEF and Oxfam to present a compelling business case for joint funding and action.
Unilever's ambitious water-related goals under her guidance include:
- Making all product formulations biodegradable
- Implementing water stewardship programmes at 100 manufacturing sites in water-stressed areas
- Empowering farmers and smallholders to protect and regenerate their environments
- Reaching one billion people annually through brands like Lifebuoy and Domestos
Collaborative approach to sustainability
Rebecca firmly believes in the power of collective action.
"We cannot do this alone," she says.
Her strategy is all about committing companies to five critical actions:
- Engaging in comprehensive water stewardship
- Collaborating to scale access to innovative technologies
- Supporting climate financing and investments
- Building capacity to transform ideas into action
- Advocating for policies protecting water, sanitation, and hygiene services
Speaking and thought leadership
Beyond her corporate role, Rebecca has become a sought-after speaker, sharing insights from her successful career.
Her keynotes inspire corporate audiences, highlighting the significant impact sustainable practices can have on global brands and societal wellbeing.
Vision for the future
With her unwavering commitment to sustainability, Rebecca is set on driving Unilever towards a more environmentally responsible and socially conscious future.
Her leadership exemplifies how corporations can be powerful agents of positive, equitable global change.
She also understands that there is a long way to go for Unilever to be sustainable.
“We hope the combination of constructive partnerships and increased scrutiny will not only support Unilever in achieving its climate goals but also create a ripple effect for other companies working in this area.”
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