First ever female Chairperson at Unilever Sri Lanka Shazia assumes duties

Monday, 4 November 2013 00:00 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Creating history on 1 November 2013, Shazia Syed took over the reins of Unilever Sri Lanka as the first-ever female Chairperson. Like her predecessor, Amal Cabraal, Shazia started off her illustrious career as a management trainee at Unilever. In her 24 years with the organisation, she has worked across most Unilever categories and was seconded to Vietnam in December 2000 for three years where she worked as a Business Unit Leader in Personal Care.

In 2004, she returned to Pakistan as Vice President Home and Personal Care and later Refreshments. She was appointed to the Board of Directors, Pakistan in April 2008 whilst serving as Director of Unilever Pakistan Foods Limited. On the personal front, Shazia is married with two children, and enjoys challenging herself on the golf course. Speaking on the business she has inherited she says: “The strong foundations that have been laid at Unilever Sri Lanka have thus far augured well for the continued success of Unilever Sri Lanka. I now look forward to accelerating this growth trajectory even further.” “I am excited to lead this young and ambitious team, who with the right mindset, and a clear set of plans, is our key ammunition to ensure the company’s growth. I am confident that this right mix of people and solid structures in place ensure that we are poised to reach unprecedented heights,” she added. Commenting on her role as the first female chairperson she added: “I am immensely proud to be Unilever Sri Lanka’s first female Chairperson. It is such an honour to be an ambassador of diversity and I hope that my appointment serves as inspiration to the various diverse individuals who flourish within Unilever Sri Lanka.” Speaking on Unilever Sri Lanka’s continued focus on sustainability, Shazia said: “As we look to the future, we know that sustainable growth is the only way forward. We will continue to deliver the highest standards to all stakeholders, in an ethical and transparent manner, to make the most positive impact on our people, this country and our planet.”