Ali Tariq takes over as new Chairman/CEO of Unilever Sri Lanka

Thursday, 11 January 2024 01:57 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

New Chairman and CEO Ali Tariq and Outgoing Chairperson and MD Hajar Alafifi

Unilever Sri Lanka yesterday announced the appointment of Ali Tariq as its new Chairman and CEO with effect from 1 February 2024.

With this appointment, Ali will also join Unilever’s South Asia leadership team.

Prior to this, Ali served as the CFO for Global Transformations at Unilever’s Headquarters in London. He joined the Group in 2003 and has since held global and country leadership roles across Europe, South Asia and Far East. He is a member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England & Wales (ICAEW) and trained with PwC London.

Ali takes over from the outgoing Chairperson and Managing Director Hajar Alafifi, as she moves to her new assignment in Jakarta as General Manager for Unilever’s Nutrition Business in South East Asia and Indonesia.

Commenting on his new appointment at Unilever Sri Lanka, Ali said: “I am delighted and humbled with the opportunity to serve our consumers, employees, business partners and communities in Sri Lanka and to contribute to the country’s growth. My predecessor, Hajar Alafifi, leaves behind a strong business, and I along with the country leadership remain committed to leveraging our strong portfolio of purpose-led brands to win with a winning Sri Lanka.”

Outgoing Chairperson and Managing Director Hajar steered the company through a highly challenging business environment over the last four years.

“With my 23 plus years of working in different markets across the world, Sri Lanka stands out as one of the most resilient, and I hold a positive outlook for the economy and investors. I would like to take this opportunity to express my heartfelt gratitude to Sri Lanka for hosting me during my tenure. The warmth, positivity, and hospitality extended to me have been truly exceptional, and I will forever cherish the incredible humanness displayed by the people of Sri Lanka. The enriching experiences and meaningful connections forged during my time here have left an indelible mark on both my professional and personal journey,” she said.

Unilever has operated in Sri Lanka for the last 85 years and is one of the leading Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) companies in the country. As a responsible corporate citizen, the business continues to play a key role in contributing to Sri Lanka’s sustainable future. Unilever Sri Lanka’s portfolio of 30 brands, such as Knorr, Sunlight, Signal, TRESemmé and Lifebuoy, are household favourites. They support local communities and enhance the lives of 22 million Sri Lankans every day.