Date: 20th April 2023

Start Time: 08:00

End Time: 10:00

Description:
Jan Zijderveld was born in The Netherlands, went to school in Kerikeri, and graduated from Waikato with a Bachelor of Management Studies.

Jan started with Unilever in New Zealand as a brand manager, then moved to Australia, The Netherlands for five years, and to Italy where he took over directorship of Unilever’s European Olive Oil category. From there he worked in Stockholm and in Dubai where he became chairman of Unilever’s Middle East and North Africa-based operations. A year later he was in Singapore as Executive Vice-President of Unilever South-East Asia. He was soon appointed President, Europe and part of the leadership executive.

Jan was responsible for Unilever's largest operating business, encompassing 34 countries and 25,000 employees. As president of the company’s largest geographical cluster, he re-energised the business and built a more integrated dynamic team, rejuvenating Unilever’s headquarters in Rotterdam and turning it into the largest marketing hub in The Netherlands.
He is credited with stabilising the European business and returning it to growth and improved profitability, following several years of decline.

Jan's success over the years has been attributed to his management style that focused on achieving maximum results yet remained highly people oriented.
He says being able to make an impact and a difference in all the places he visits is such a privilege. “I really enjoy the challenge being a leader offers, not just in one culture.”
Following Unilever, Jan was CEO at Avon and responsible for driving new long-term growth initiatives, developing earning opportunities for women, and advancing Avon as the world’s premier direct seller of quality beauty products.

Latterly Jan has undertaken a wide variety of Non-Executive Director roles and Private Equity advisory as well as maintaining his links with Waikato University as one of their global leader alumni.

Venue: Clifford Chance

Location:
30th Floor, 10 Upper Bank Street London E14 5JJ DX (nearest tube Canary Wharf)

Non Members Price: £30.00

Members Price: £0.00