Graeme Pitkethly is an accomplished financial executive with a rich and diverse professional history. He currently serves as the Chief Financial Officer at Unilever, one of the world’s leading consumer goods companies. Graeme’s journey in the corporate world has been marked by significant achievements and leadership roles.
EDUCATION
Graeme’s educational background is equally impressive. He earned the designation of Chartered Accountant (ACA) from the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW) in 1990. He also holds a BSc (Hons) in Applied Chemistry from the University of Strathclyde, where he graduated with First Class honors in 1987.
His academic journey began at Williamwood High School in Clarkston, Glasgow, where he completed his secondary education from 1978 to 1983.
CAREER
In his current position as Chief Financial Officer at Unilever, Graeme Pitkethly has been at the helm since October 2015. His tenure of over eight years in this role speaks to his instrumental role in managing the financial aspects of a global corporate giant. Unilever’s headquarters in London, United Kingdom, serves as the backdrop for Graeme’s strategic financial leadership. As the CFO, he is responsible for overseeing the company’s financial operations, managing budgets, and making critical financial decisions.
Prior to his role as CFO, Graeme Pitkethly held the position of EVP and Chairman at Unilever UK & Ireland, commencing in July 2014. His simultaneous roles as EVP and Chairman demonstrated his capacity to provide executive leadership and strategic direction to the company’s operations in the UK and Ireland. This role, based in Leatherhead, UK, afforded him the opportunity to shape Unilever’s presence and performance in these key markets.
Before his tenure at Unilever, Graeme served in various roles within the company, accumulating a total of 11 years and 9 months of experience. Notably, he held the position of SVP Finance – Global Markets from July 2011 to July 2014, showcasing his extensive experience and leadership in managing financial functions on a global scale. Additionally, he served as Group Treasurer from April 2010 to July 2011, where he oversaw the company’s treasury operations, including cash management and financial risk mitigation.
Graeme Pitkethly’s professional journey extends beyond Unilever. His career includes significant roles at FLAG Telecom, where he served as Vice President in Corporate Development and Finance from 1996 to 2002. This experience included managing financial and strategic aspects of the telecommunications industry in various global locations.
His earlier career featured roles at PwC (PricewaterhouseCoopers), where he spent nine years, from 1987 to 1996. His positions at PwC evolved from Managing Consultant to Senior Manager and Director, reflecting his growth and expertise in financial and management consulting.
Graeme Pitkethly’s professional trajectory, encompassing key leadership roles in finance and corporate development, underscores his capacity to drive strategic financial decision-making in large, multinational organizations like Unilever. His educational foundation in both accounting and applied chemistry adds depth to his ability to navigate the complex and dynamic world of corporate finance.
