Unilever’s current CEO and former CEOs have issued a joint statement outlining their position on the upcoming EU referendum in the UK.
Paul Polman, Patrick Cescau, Niall FitzGerald and Sir Michael Perry were all signatories of the statement, shared with Cosmetics Business, which explained that Europe “remains Unilever’s heartland”. The statement was sent to all employees past and present.
The statement read: “It is not for us to suggest how people might vote. Many factors need to be considered. We respect that. But in taking this hugely important and irreversible decision, we feel a responsibility to point out that Unilever in the UK, with its thriving operating company, international research centres, factories and global headquarters would, in our considered opinion, be negatively impacted if the UK were to leave the European Union.”
The four executives have contributed more than 120 years of combined service to Unilever, a period of time which they noted "has given us a remarkable perspective on what it takes to succeed in an era of rapidly accelerating globalisation – something we have also gained through our experience of serving in leading roles in other successful international companies".
Commenting on the benefit of the single market, the signatories noted that the introduction of the Single European Act in 1992 “completely refashioned Europe’s economic landscape”. They explained: “The Single Market has steadily transformed Unilever’s business, enabling it to reap the extraordinary advantages of European integration, to the benefit of its UK employees and its many other sakeholders.”
The signatories did note that the UK has been a vital part of Unilever’s success “punching above its weight” in the company’s structure with its factory network, research centres, training facilities and global headquarters in Blackfriars. “Long may that remain”, the statement added.
Recognising that the EU does require change and needs “continuously to adapt and improve”, the statement concluded that these improvements are best achieved with the UK leading in Europe. The statement read: “Indeed, the European Union has become a window on the world – crucial to any European-based business, like Unilever, seeking to grow and prosper in a highly globalised marketplace.”
Unilever is not alone in its support for remaining in the EU. Several other companies are also in the Remain camp including The Organic Pharmacy, CPL Aromas and Roja Parfums.