Willem Uijen understands that a strong procurement strategy isn’t just about securing materials at the right cost—it’s about shaping the future of an entire industry. As Chief Procurement Officer at Unilever, he focuses on competitive buying to ensure continued investment in the company’s brands while driving innovation through supplier partnerships. His procurement strategy goes beyond efficiency to drive long-term sustainability, aligning with Unilever’s net-zero commitments by integrating circular economy principles, investing in plastic recycling facilities, and enforcing responsible sourcing. Under his leadership, Unilever’s procurement function plays a pivotal role in both business growth and environmental responsibility.
Born in the Netherlands, Uijen holds a master’s degree in applied physics from Eindhoven University. He began his Unilever career in 1999 as a management trainee in R&D before transitioning into supply chain roles across Mexico, Latin America, and Asia. Over the years, he led manufacturing, distribution, customer service, and planning, gaining a deep understanding of global operations. Before stepping into his current role, he previously led supply chains in South Asia, Southeast Asia, and Australia. Now, he oversees Unilever’s global procurement, ensuring that sourcing decisions align with financial, operational, and sustainability goals.
For Uijen, long-term success means continuously adapting to global changes. His leadership in regenerative agriculture and supplier climate programs reflects his belief that procurement must be both responsible and forward-thinking. By embedding resilience into supply chains, he positions Unilever to navigate geopolitical tensions, inflation, and climate challenges while maintaining operational excellence. His ability to align procurement with business strategy and sustainability ambitions cements his impact, ensuring Unilever remains a leader in responsible sourcing and supply chain transformation.