Unilever announces powerful executive structure

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Unilever Cosmetics International (UCI) yesterday announced the selection of a board-level executive structure to oversee the development of its growing prestige beauty portfolio. The company, which has expanded significantly in the past year, comprises Calvin Klein Cosmetics as well as the Unilever Prestige brands of Nautica, Vera Wang, BCBG Max Azria, Cerruti, Valentino, Lagerfeld and Chloe.

Effective January 2 2001, the new structure will incorporate three divisions: Business Units responsible for sales and profit across all brands, Global Marketing Units in charge of product development and marketing, and Corporate Units to manage support functions. UCI president and ceo Paulanne Mancuso commented: "This executive structure has been designed to respond to the business environment and to support our expanding portfolio. These key functions will fortify the existing businesses and position the company to build powerful global franchises."

The appointments are as follows:

Business Units
*Peter Midwood, formerly Elizabeth Arden ceo, has been named president of Business Units and chief operating officer of UCI, reporting directly to Paulanne Mancuso.

Reporting to Midwood are the following board members:
*Jim Bunn has been appointed senior vice-president, Calvin Klein Cosmetics, North America
*Mark Scott has been named senior vice-president, Unilever Prestige, North America
* Jean Mortier, formerly chief financial officer of UCI, has been appointed to the role of senior vice-president, Europe.

Global Marketing Units
*Hilary Dart has been named president of Calvin Klein Cosmetics
*Laura Lee Miller remains president of Unilever Prestige, based in New York
*Gabriele Pungerscheg, formerly senior vice-president, has been appointed president of European designer fragrances.

Corporate Units
New appointments include Sunil Mehta as chief financial officer and Charlene Binder as senior vice-president of human resources.