Matt Close

Business Group President, Ice Cream

Matt joined Unilever in 1992 and has held global and regional senior roles across Unilever’s divisions. Prior to his current role Matt was EVP for Global Ice Cream for six years.

In this role, Matt has navigated the ice cream business through the Covid pandemic, particularly challenging given the size of our out-of-home business. He has delivered strong growth for the global ice cream business by pursuing a strategy of premiumisation and channel shift. He strengthened both Magnum and Ben & Jerry’s whilst increasing the contribution from the more profitable out-of-home channel pre-Covid and pivoting to digital commerce during the pandemic. The quick commerce IceCreamNOW channel exemplifies how Matt uses innovation as a key driver for growth.

Prior to the Global role, Matt led the European Ice Cream business from 2013 to 2015, simplifying and streamlining the business, restoring out-of-home growth and making the strategic shift to accelerate Magnum and Ben & Jerry’s. From 2011 to 2013 Matt was pushing the business towards the growth tailwinds and really learning how to get the most from our people and plans in his role as VP Marketing for Europe Foods and Ice Cream.

From 2003 to 2011 Matt held a number of roles in the UK & Ireland Home and Personal Care businesses focusing on winning market share for the Deodorants and Laundry business.

Matt is British. He is married and has three daughters. In his spare time he is a keen cyclist and enjoys cooking.

History

• 2022: Appointed Business Group President, Ice Cream
• 2015: Executive Vice President Global Ice Cream
• 2013: Vice President Ice Cream Europe
• 2011: Vice President Marketing Foods and Ice Cream Europe
• 2007: Vice President Marketing Home and Personal Care UK & Ireland
• 2003: Category Director Personal Care UK & Ireland
• 2000: European Brand Development Director Magnum
• 1992: from Marketing Trainee to Marketing Manager