Paul Polman

Biography

Paul Polman is one of the most influential business leaders of our time — and a truly outstanding keynote speaker on leadership, sustainability and the future of business.

Inspiring, challenging and deeply credible, he doesn’t just talk about change. He’s led it.

As former CEO of Unilever, Paul spent a decade proving a powerful idea: that doing the right thing is good for business.

He turned sustainability into a growth strategy, transformed a global organisation, and helped redefine what successful leadership looks like in the 21st century.

Earlier in his career, he held senior leadership roles at Procter & Gamble and Nestlé, giving him deep, first-hand experience of how the world’s biggest brands operate, compete and grow.

Paul brings rare authority to the stage. He helped shape the UN Sustainable Development Goals at a global level and continues to advise CEOs, boards and governments on navigating climate risk, inequality, geopolitical uncertainty and rapid technological change.

As co-founder of IMAGINE, he works with leaders determined to drive systemic change across business and society.

His bestselling book, Net Positive, has become essential reading for organisations that want to grow while making a meaningful contribution to the world.

As a keynote speaker, Paul Polman is direct, energising and impossible to ignore.

He blends big-picture vision with practical insight, sharp storytelling and clear calls to action.

Audiences leave not just inspired, but equipped to lead differently making him a first-choice keynote speaker for business and sustainability events worldwide.