Chairman SA

Chairman, Unilever South Africa

Gail studied at Rhodes and the University of the Witwatersrand, and has over 20 years experience in Unilever, across most disciplines in Foods, Home Care and Personal Care. Internationally, she held a Global Brands Director role for two global Laundry brands, working with consumers and in the markets in over 30 countries.

Gail took over the role of Chairman in South Africa in 2007, uniting all of the Unilever business units into one Company and is thereforeat the helm of one of the most competitive fast moving consumer goods companies in South Africa, producing brands such as Omo, Sunlight, Dove, Knorr, Lipton Tea, Rama, Flora and Stork.

Gail’s focus is to "Drive Growth through Releasing Potential"; the potential of -

• strong brands that are crafted to truly meet the needs of our consumers;

• the market-place potential of these brands through best customer service;

• a business infrastructure that continually reinvents itself to be simply effective and "best in class";

• the people in our business who should feel that they can and do truly make a difference and personally grow with us; and

• the community, society, customers and partners with whom we share our space.

Gail is passionate about South Africa; its excellent progress over the post-democracy years and the challenges that continually face us and will do so into the future; and proud to be part of working to make a difference in this sphere. She currently serves as a director on Business Leadership South Africa, the Business Trust, the Consumer Goods Council of South Africa and the International Women’s Leadership Foundation. She is also involved in Thokomala, a community-based home solution for children who have lost their parents as the result of HIV/Aids.

She is particularly interested in making a broader contribution to society through sustainable business, and personally. Particular areas of interest in this regard:

• Sustainable economic development in D/E markets.

• Business role in community.

• Economic empowerment and upskilling of women.

• Development and education of children in Africa.

She is married to Keith, a medical doctor and has two sons.  She spends her leisure time with her family and friends, running/working out, in nature, reading, and contributing to sustainable development projects.  Other personal interests are philosophy, the workings of the world (both nature and human), travelling, gardening, and cooking.