Hanneke Faber Experience: A Deep Dive into the Leadership Journey of an Influential CEO
Hanneke Faber’s experience is synonymous with global leadership, strategic growth, innovation, and sustainable business practices. As the CEO of Logitech and former President of Unilever’s Nutrition Division, Faber has demonstrated her ability to drive success across diverse industries such as technology, consumer goods, e-commerce, and retail. Her career, which spans over 30 years, showcases a remarkable blend of innovation, value creation, and commitment to sustainability, making her one of the most influential business leaders in the world today.
Early Life and Education
Born in the Netherlands, Hanneke Faber’s drive for success was evident early on. She attended the University of Houston, where she graduated summa cum laude with a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism. Faber was also an accomplished diver, winning seven Dutch National Championships and being recognized as an Honorable Mention All-American. Her time at the University of Houston, supported by a full athletic scholarship, laid the foundation for the discipline and focus that would characterize her leadership style in the years to come.
After completing her undergraduate degree, Faber pursued a Master of Business Administration (MBA) at the University of Houston’s C.T. Bauer College of Business. With a GPA of 3.9, she excelled academically while preparing for a career that would eventually see her leading multinational corporations and transforming businesses across multiple industries.
Early Career: Procter & Gamble
Faber’s professional journey began at Procter & Gamble (P&G), where she spent over two decades honing her leadership and brand management skills. Rising through the ranks, she held various international leadership roles, including Vice President for Global Pantene, Head & Shoulders, and Herbal Essences, three of P&G’s top brands. Faber drove significant sales growth during her tenure, launched over 20 global innovation platforms, and solidified these brands’ positions in over 180 countries.
Her role at P&G shaped her leadership style, emphasising innovation, customer satisfaction, and sustainable growth. Faber’s experience at P&G also gave her a deep understanding of the global consumer goods market, knowledge she would later apply to her roles at Ahold Delhaize and Unilever.
Ahold Delhaize: Building a Global E-Commerce Leader
In 2013, Hanneke Faber joined Ahold Delhaize, a global retail giant, as Chief Commercial Officer and member of the Executive Committee. She oversaw the company’s e-commerce operations, including leading brands like bol.com, AH.nl, and Peapod.com. Under her leadership, Ahold’s e-commerce business grew from less than $1 billion in 2014 to over $3 billion by 2018, establishing the company as a top 50 global e-commerce player.
Faber’s strategic vision for omnichannel retail operations allowed Ahold Delhaize to cater to online and offline consumer demands, driving significant growth and innovation in the global retail space. Her experience building and scaling Ahold’s e-commerce business is a testament to her ability to navigate complex business landscapes and implement innovative solutions to meet evolving consumer needs.
During this period, one of her key achievements was preparing Ahold for its merger with Delhaize, one of the largest retail mergers in history. Faber’s role in this merger was instrumental in creating a more robust, diversified retail entity with significant e-commerce and omnichannel capabilities.
Leadership at Unilever: A Commitment to Sustainability and Growth
In 2018, Hanneke Faber took on a new challenge, joining Unilever as President of Europe and later becoming President of the company’s Foods & Refreshment Division. In this role, she led a $15 billion business with operations in over 150 countries. Faber’s leadership was transformative for Unilever, as she focused on reshaping the portfolio, driving innovation, and advancing the company’s sustainability agenda.
One of Faber’s most notable achievements at Unilever was the acquisition of The Vegetarian Butcher, a move that positioned the company as a leader in plant-based nutrition. She also played a vital role in the disposal of Unilever’s global tea business, a strategic decision aligned with the company’s focus on sustainable growth and responsible business practices.
Under her leadership, Unilever’s Foods & Refreshment Division was recognized as the top-ranked company in the World Benchmarking Alliance’s rating of food and agriculture brands for responsible business practices. Faber’s commitment to sustainability was further demonstrated through her efforts to reduce Unilever’s environmental impact by scaling up regenerative agriculture programs and cutting down on plastic packaging.
During Faber’s time at Unilever, she showcased her ability to balance financial performance with social and environmental responsibility, a hallmark of her leadership style that she continues to carry forward in her current role at Logitech.
Logitech: Leading Innovation in Technology
In December 2023, Hanneke Faber was appointed CEO of Logitech, a global leader in designing hardware and software for businesses and individuals. As the company continues to expand into areas such as hybrid work, video conferencing, gaming, and streaming, Faber’s experience in product development, supply chain management, and digital transformation makes her the ideal leader to guide Logitech into its next chapter.
Faber’s vision for Logitech focuses on fostering innovation while maintaining a solid commitment to sustainability. She is determined to leverage emerging technologies to create products that enhance user experiences while minimizing environmental impact. Her leadership is expected to drive Logitech’s growth in new markets, particularly in hybrid work solutions and gaming, which have seen significant expansion in recent years.
As Logitech’s CEO, Faber is tasked with leading a company that is well-positioned to capitalize on the growing demand for digital tools and solutions. Her experience driving sustainable business practices at Unilever will likely influence Logitech’s approach to environmental responsibility, ensuring that the company remains at the forefront of innovation while staying true to its commitment to people and the planet.
Hanneke Faber’s Leadership Style: A Blend of Strategy and Hands-On Involvement
Throughout her career, Hanneke Faber’s experience has been defined by her hands-on leadership style and ability to set a clear vision for growth. She is known for her willingness to get involved in the details, whether working in factories to improve operations or engaging with consumers to understand their needs.
Her collaboration and team-building focus also mark Faber’s leadership style. She has often emphasized empowering her teams to take ownership of their work and make decisions that drive business success. At Unilever, Faber coined the phrase “We are All Chefs,” reflecting her belief that everyone in the organization plays a crucial role in delivering value to customers.
Her strategic mindset and hands-on approach have allowed her to drive growth in diverse industries and lead some of the world’s most iconic brands to new heights.
The Importance of Sustainability in Faber’s Vision
A recurring theme in Hanneke Faber’s experience is her commitment to sustainability. Whether at Unilever, where she championed plant-based nutrition and regenerative agriculture, or at Logitech, where she aims to foster environmentally conscious innovation, Faber has consistently prioritized the need to balance business growth with social and environmental responsibility.
Her vision for Logitech includes a strong focus on sustainability, particularly in reducing electronic waste, improving supply chain efficiency, and developing user-friendly and eco-friendly products. As consumers become more aware of the environmental impact of their choices, Faber’s leadership will likely position Logitech as a leader in sustainable technology.
Conclusion: Hanneke Faber’s Lasting Impact on Global Business
Hanneke Faber’s experience as a global business leader is a testament to her ability to drive innovation, growth, and sustainability across diverse industries. From her early career at Procter & Gamble to her leadership roles at Ahold Delhaize, Unilever, and now Logitech, Faber has consistently demonstrated her commitment to creating value for businesses and society.
Her strategic vision, hands-on leadership style, and unwavering focus on sustainability make her one of the most influential CEOs of our time. As she continues leading Logitech, Faber’s experience and leadership will undoubtedly shape the company’s growth and contributions to a more sustainable world.
