Unilever appoints Leandro Barreto as global Chief Marketing Officer amid marketing evolution
This leadership transition reflects Unilever’s focus on evolving its marketing capabilities to meet the demands of a rapidly changing consumer landscape.
UK – Unilever has announced a significant leadership shift in its global marketing division, with Leandro Barreto stepping into the role of Chief Growth and Marketing Officer(CMO).
Barreto takes over the role from Esi Eggleston Bracey, who is departing after leading the company’s marketing and growth strategy since 2024.
This change marks a pivotal moment for Unilever, as Barreto brings a strong background in brand equity management, digital innovation, and global revenue growth, having previously led the Dove Masterbrand and Unilever Beauty & Wellbeing.
Esi Eggleston Bracey’s Legacy
Esi Eggleston Bracey, who joined Unilever in 2018 and became Chief Growth and Marketing Officer in 2024, was instrumental in transforming Unilever’s marketing approach.
She championed the shift from a traditional “one-to-many” model to a “many-to-many” engagement strategy, leveraging analytics and creativity to drive growth across Unilever’s 400+ brands.
Her tenure saw the integration of AI and digital tools as enablers of marketing innovation, and she emphasized purpose-driven, culturally relevant brand building.
Bracey’s leadership style focused on empowering business group marketers and positioning marketing as a central growth driver within the company.
Leandro Barreto, previously Unilever Beauty & Wellbeing’s Chief Marketing Officer, is recognized for his expertise in premiumisation, brand building, and digital-led strategies.
His new role will see him responsible for global marketing, revenue growth, and innovation across Unilever’s diverse portfolio.
Barreto’s appointment signals Unilever’s continued commitment to building culturally powerful, digitally-led brands and advancing its global growth agenda.
Strategic Implications
Barreto’s background in premiumisation and digital transformation positions him to further accelerate Unilever’s growth through innovation, brand equity, and consumer engagement.
The change also highlights the company’s emphasis on nurturing internal talent and promoting leaders with proven track records in driving both brand and business growth.
Unilever’s marketing leadership shift underscores its ongoing efforts to remain at the forefront of global consumer goods innovation, with Barreto set to build on the foundations laid by Bracey and steer the company into its next phase of growth and transformation.
Unilever has undergone a series of significant leadership changes in 2025.
Recently, Hein Schumacher stepped down as CEO after 18 months, with Fernando Fernandez, previously the company’s CFO, appointed as his successor in March 2025.
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