Unilever names Weed marketing chief

Unilever has appointed Keith Weed, currently its EVP for homecare, oral care and water, its chief marketing and communications officer, replacing Simon Clift.

Weed will take up the role, which, unlike Clift's, includes responsibility for communications, on April 1.

He will report to Paul Polman, CEO, and also serve as a member of the Unilever executive board.

Polman said: "This is the first time Unilever has had a CMO at the top table and it is a key step to having a sharper consumer focus in the company. Keith will be leading marketing, including the development of the Unilever brand."

Unilever announced last month that Clift would retire within months to spend more time with his family in Brazil.