Alan Jope (born 1963 or 1964) is a British businessman. He served as CEO of Unilever from January 2019 until June 2023, succeeding Paul Polman. Upon stepping down as CEO of Unilever, Jope was succeeded by Hein Schumacher who took on the role from July 2023.
Education
Jope was born in Scotland. He earned a bachelor of commerce degree from the University of Edinburgh Business School. He also attended Harvard Business School's general management program in 2001.
Career
Jope joined Unilever in 1985 as a graduate marketing trainee. He was the president of Beauty & Personal Care, the largest division at Unilever. He has had stints running several operations including China.
From 2009, Jope led Unilever's business in China and North Asia, doubling its size and laying important foundations for future success. He was appointed to Unilever’s Leadership Executive in 2011 in his role as President of Unilever’s businesses across North Asia. His previous senior roles have also included President Russia, Africa & Middle East; and President of Unilever's Beauty & Personal Care division. Earlier, Jope worked in a number of sales and marketing roles in the UK, Thailand and the US.
Jope was a guest judge, with Donald Trump, in the second series of the US version of reality TV show The Apprentice.
Personal
Jope is married, with three children.