Paul Polman

Paul Polman

Business Leader, Campaigner, Co-author of “Net Positive”

Business leader, campaigner, and co-author of “Net Positive: how courageous companies thrive by giving more than they take”, a Financial Times Business Book of the Year.

Paul Polman works to accelerate action by businesses to tackle climate change and inequality.

As CEO of Unilever (2009-2019), Paul demonstrated that businesses can profit through purpose, marrying a long-term, multi-stakeholder model with excellent financial performance. During Paul’s tenure, shareholders saw their returns increase by 290% while the company consistently ranked 1st in the world for sustainability.

Today, Paul works across a range of organisations to advance the UN Sustainable Development Goals, which he helped develop. This includes his work to drive systems change with Systemiq and bold new industry coalitions, including in fashion and food. He leads the UN Global Compact, is an Ambassador for the Race to Zero, and works to develop our next generation of leaders, through the Oxford University Saïd Business SchoolINSEADOne Young World and others. Paul actively campaigns on a range of human rights issues, including promoting disability inclusion through the Valuable 500 and the Kilimanjaro Blind Trust, which he set up with his wife Kim. More on www.paulpolman.com.

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