Case Description:
When the case opens in late 2023, Hein Schumacher has just taken over as CEO at Unilever PLC (Unilever).. The investment community and some members of the board are concerned about the strategy at Unilever and the inability of the strategy to deliver results equal to or better than those of competitors (e.g., Proctor and Gamble, Nestle, Mondelez) in the fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) industry. Schumacher must move quickly to grow revenue and improve earnings without perhaps, completely abandoning Unilever’s commitment to a positive social and environmental impact.
Alan Jope
Hein Schumacher
Nelson Peltz
Case Questions:
- In week 3, we introduced elements of the analysis you would undertake to understand driving forces in the external environment and draw conclusions about key success factors. Using what you have learned, identify:
- 3-5 of the more critical drivers in the external environment;
- 2-3 key success factors in FMCG.
- In week 4, we introduced elements of the analysis you would undertake to understand key elements of the internal environment and draw conclusions about core competencies and sustainable competitive advantage (SCA). Using what you have learned, identify:
- Unilever’s source of sustainable competitive advantage (if you believe it has one);
- 2-3 major concerns a board member like Nelson Peltz might have.
- In weeks 1 and 2, we explored strategy and strategic planning. Using what you have learned, compare and contrast The Unilever Compass, the strategic plan advanced Alan Jope, Unilever CEO from 2019 to 2023, with the Strategy and Growth Action Plan introduced by Schumacher. Now:
- Briefly summarize the major change(s) in strategic direction in the Schumacher era;
- Identify how the changes close any gaps (or not), between your assessment of drivers in 1 above and your assessment of competencies in 2 above;
- Comment on whether you believe Schumacher’s plan can satisfy the concerns of investors like Peltz.