The Future of Sustainability Leadership at Unilever

As a leading figure at Unilever, one of the largest consumer goods companies, Rebecca Marmot has become known for her energy and drive to effect positive change in the world.

However, Unilever is now set for a leadership change in sustainability. 

After nearly two decades shaping strategy and advocacy the Chief Sustainability and Corporate Affairs Officer is moving on.

Leaving behind Unilever

Rebecca was Unilever's Chief Sustainability Officer from 2019 to 2025, stepping up to become the firm's Chief Sustainability and Corporate Affairs Officer in January 2025.

“In July, I announced that I would be stepping down as Chief Sustainability & Corporate Affairs Officer at Unilever to embark on a new opportunity and now that time has come,” she wrote on LinkedIn.

“Unilever is a fantastic company with incredible people - I’m proud to have been a part of it for so long. 

“I feel hugely grateful and full of energy and optimism. Before leaving, I welcomed onboard and handed over the reins to the wonderful Michael Stewart. I’ll be cheering him and the amazing team on as I navigate my next adventure.”

She has helped Unilever reach some major milestones during her tenure, from her work on the firm's adherence to the UN Sustainable Development Goals to her advocacy on European reporting rules and a Global Plastics Treaty. 

Her exit marks the end of a significant chapter for Unilever’s sustainability leadership.

Who is Rebecca Marmot?

Since joining Unilever in 2007, Rebecca has championed eco-friendly practices across one of the world’s largest consumer goods companies. 

She helped shape the UN Sustainable Development Goals and contributed to momentum around the 2015 Paris Accord. She also pushed for a strong EU sustainability reporting framework and called for a robust Global Plastics Treaty. 

Beyond climate and plastics she has been a high-profile advocate for water access, presenting the business case for joint funding at the UN 2023 Water Conference. 

Earlier in her career she worked in PR, consultancy and UK government, then led external affairs at L’Oréal before moving to Unilever. 

Rebecca firmly believes in the power of collective action. "We cannot do this alone," she says.

Who will be taking the reins?

Rebecca’s successor Michael Stewart joined Unilever on 1 October as Unilever’s Chief Corporate Affairs and Communications Officer.

Michael’s role includes overseeing the development of Unilever’s sustainability strategy and leading its global sustainability team, alongside overseeing corporate affairs and communications. 

Michael joined Unilever from professional services firm PwC, where he oversaw all aspects of external and internal communications, public policy, sustainability and reputation management.

He was a member of PwC’s Global Markets Leadership Team, AI Leadership Team, Clients and Industries Leadership Team and Marketing and Brand Council.

Prior to joining PwC, Michael spent six years as a member of the global executive committee at Edelman, the world’s largest public relations and public affairs company.

During that time, he served three years as President and CEO for Europe and CIS, and three years as Global Vice Chairman, overseeing industries and practices, Edelman Advisory, Edelman Intelligence and the Edelman Trust Barometer.

Before Edelman, Michael was with McKinsey for 12 years, most recently as a Partner and Global Director of Communications and Marketing. 

He has previous experience at several social sector and UN-affiliated organisations focused on sustainability and public-private partnerships, including the Prince of Wales International Business Leaders Forum, the UN Global Compact, the inaugural UN Earth Summit, the Centre for Our Common Future and the International Association of Students in Business and Economics (AIESEC).