Paul Polman is a business leader, author, and advocate for purposeful leadership. As the co-author of “Net Positive: How Courageous Companies Thrive by Giving More Than They Take,” which was named a Financial Times Business Book of the Year, he emphasizes how businesses can thrive by prioritizing purpose for profit. Ranked #3 in Thinkers50, Paul is renowned for his commitment to integrating purpose with business strategy.
Paul's leadership philosophy revolves around driving transformative change to address critical global issues. As CEO of Unilever from 2009 to 2019, he demonstrated that prioritizing purpose alongside financial performance not only leads to significant returns but also fosters a thriving workplace and societal impact. Under his stewardship, Unilever achieved a 290% return for shareholders while pioneering in social and environmental responsibility.
Today, Paul continues to champion purposeful leadership through his work with various organizations, including Systemiq and private equity. He collaborates across industries and with diverse stakeholders—ranging from fashion and food sectors to government and civil society—to advance goals that regenerate economies, renew societies, and drive systemic change. His previous roles include leading the UN Global Compact and serving as an Ambassador for the Race to Zero and Race to Resilience.
Passionate about developing the next generation of leaders, Paul chairs the Oxford University Saïd Business School and engages with INSEAD, IESE, PRME, and One Young World. His advocacy extends to human rights and disability inclusion, through initiatives like the Valuable 500 and the Kilimanjaro Blind Trust, which he founded with his wife, Kim.
In this session, Paul Polman, a renowned business leader and climate advocate, shares his insights on purposeful leadership in action. Drawing from his tenure as Unilever CEO and co-author of "Net Positive," he explores how businesses can thrive by embracing sustainability and social equity. He will discuss his ongoing efforts to unite industries, governments, and civil society to achieve the UN Sustainable Development Goals, demonstrating how leaders can drive transformational change for a more inclusive, resilient, and regenerative world.
In this keynote, Paul Polman explores how businesses can play a pivotal role in addressing inequality. Drawing from his experience at Unilever and his advocacy for the UN Sustainable Development Goals, he demonstrates how companies can leverage their resources and influence to drive social progress. He will share insights on creating inclusive growth, forming impactful partnerships, and fostering a culture of equity, proving that tackling inequality is not just a moral imperative but a business opportunity.
In this session, Paul Polman discusses the critical role of corporate transformation in today's rapidly changing world. Drawing on his experience as CEO of Unilever, he illustrates how companies can achieve lasting success by integrating purpose with profit. He will share strategies for fostering a culture of innovation, collaboration, and sustainability that addresses global challenges, and how courageous leadership can unlock growth, resilience, and positive impact across industries.
In this keynote, Paul Polman delves into how innovation can combat climate change. Drawing from his tenure at Unilever and ongoing work with global organizations, he explores how businesses can pioneer cutting-edge solutions to reduce environmental impact. He will share strategies for integrating sustainability into core operations, leveraging technology, and fostering collaborations that drive meaningful progress, illustrating how innovative approaches can create a positive climate impact while driving business success.
