Unilever CEO Highlights Turkey’s Role in Growth and Innovation
Unilever’s global CEO, Hein Schumacher, began the new year with a visit to Istanbul, where he engaged with the company’s leadership team in Turkey. The visit underscored Turkey’s strategic importance to Unilever as both a key market and a hub for talent and innovation.

The visit was announced by Ali Fuat Orhonoglu, Unilever Turkey and Middle East Home Care Leader & Country President, who shared insights about the discussions on social media. “We were delighted to host our global CEO, Hein Schumacher, in Istanbul at the start of the new year. Over two days, we evaluated the current state of our business and, more importantly, its future. We had the opportunity to strengthen our roadmap with Hein’s insights. Turkey is an important talent hub for Unilever, and while we take pride in the achievements of our employees and partnerships, we are equally excited about the future,” he stated. Orhonoglu further emphasized the significance of the company’s Growth Action Plan (GAP) as a guiding framework for 2025 and beyond.
Hein Schumacher also shared reflections on his visit, which followed a stop in Saudi Arabia. “We kicked off the year with an excellent start by visiting some of our key markets,” Schumacher remarked, highlighting Turkey’s critical role. “Turkey, in terms of business scale, is one of our best markets. With its young and digitally aware population, it offers immense potential for growth and innovation. Seeing the business firsthand, it’s no surprise that Turkey remains a leader in the consumer goods sector. We are proud to be the preferred partner for trade and the country’s number one employer of choice.”
The visit also allowed the Unilever leadership to focus on long-term strategies, including innovation, digital transformation, and sustainable growth. Turkey’s position as a regional leader for the company was reiterated, with Schumacher pointing to its century-long presence in the country as evidence of its enduring importance.
As Unilever Turkey gears up for 2025, the focus remains on leveraging local expertise while aligning with global goals. Schumacher’s visit emphasized the significance of Turkey not only as a business and production hub but also as a center for innovation and talent development.