Tangerang, December 19, 2023 – PT Unilever Indonesia Tbk (the Company) today held an Extraordinary General Meeting of Shareholders (EGMS) at Unilever Indonesia's head office in Tangerang, BSD. The meeting approved the appointment of Benjie Yap as President Director of the Company, effective January 2024.
Nurdiana Darus, Director and Corporate Secretary of PT Unilever Indonesia, Tbk., said, “The leadership change and the new Unilever Compass organisational framework are bringing Unilever Indonesia to a new chapter to further unleash itsfull potential for sustainable growth. Today's meeting officially approved Benjie Yap as President Director of the Company. With a skill set encompassing R&D, Strategy, Supply Chain, Marketing and Brand Management, and Customer Development, Benjie Yap has an impressive track record from his previous roles at Unilever, including his position as CEO of Unilever Philippines. We believe he will bring valuable insights and contributions to the Company and the industry."
Benjie succeeds Ira Noviarti, who assumed the role in 2020 as the President Director and successfully led the company safely during the global COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 and 2021, ultimately bringing the Company to a much stronger position. "The Company extends our utmost gratitude and recognition for Ira Noviarti's strong and dedicated leadership at Unilever Indonesia. As President Director, Ira has significantly enhanced the fundamentals of Unilever Indonesia’s business – ensuring that it is now in a considerably stronger position to further realise its long-term growth potential," Nurdiana added.
During the meeting, Ira Noviarti stated, “I am grateful for opportunities to contribute to the business and the society through many roles with Unilever for almost 30 years, especially leading Unilever Indonesia as the President Director for nearly three and half years. I have been continuously growing as a leader and an individual, getting the chances to work alongside countless amazing talents. Embedding the company’s commitment to be purpose-led and future-fit in me, I have learned that more than growth in numbers, success for a business is also about contributing to a positive impact on society and the environment. On all these fronts, the team's efforts in the last three years have provided a solid footing for the next leadership of Unilever Indonesia.”
During her leadership at Unilever Indonesia, Ira represented the Company in numerous government and association-led programs, ensuring its steadfast commitment to growing with the country. Amongst many, she spearheaded the vaccine gotong royong efforts with the Ministry of Health and other industry players, chaired the Business 20 Women in Business Action Council during the G20 Indonesia Presidential; and presided over the Indonesia Modern Marketing Association (MMA). Her achievements and contributions have garnered recognition in Indonesia and Asia, including Best CEO for Consumer & E-commerce companies from CNBC; Top CEO Consumer Goods from Tempo and IDN Financials; Most Powerful Women from Fortune; Most Inspiring Female Leaders from Forbes; and Asia’s Most Inspiring Executive from Asia Corporate Excellence & Sustainability Awards (ACES).
Speaking highly of her successor, Ira remarked, “Benjie Yap is a fellow Unilever-grown leader, and I have witnessed his track record from strength to strength over the years. I believe that Unilever Indonesia is in the right hands.”
Benjie Yap commenced his journey with Unilever in 1994 as a Technical Management Trainee, undertaking initial roles in Manufacturing, Engineering, R&D and Packaging Development. Transitioning his career path, he ventured into Marketing, assuming the role of Marketing Director for Home Care in 2001. Subsequently, he ascended to the National Board of Directors, serving as the Foods Managing Director, VP for Home Care and Foods, and VP for Customer Development. Benjie took on international responsibilities, holding positions such as Product Development Manager in Port Sunlight, UK, in 1999 and VP for Home Care at Unilever Thailand in 2009. In March 2017, he became the Chairman and CEO of Unilever Philippines, double hatting as the Beauty and Wellbeing Business Unit General Manager since 2022.
Driven by the ambition to enhance the quality of life of the people they serve, his leadership is anchored on the ethos of “Winning with Purpose,” steering the transformation of well-loved products into brands with a profound social purpose. He was awarded the IABC CEO Excel Award in 2007 and the AGORA Outstanding Achievement Award for Marketing Management in 2015. Since 2021, he has been an integral part of Globe’s Business Council.
Benjie Yap expressed, “With numerous potentials yet to be unlocked, Indonesia stands as a crucial market for Unilever. I am joining with optimism and excitement to work with the amazing team at Unilever Indonesia, driving stronger performance marked by consistent, profitable, competitive, and responsible growth.”
“Together with the current Board of Directors, I am dedicated to ensuring that the Company is operated by the industry’s best talents and leaders to build a future-fit and agile organisation. We remain committed to leading market development through superior and relevant innovations and winning the consumers' hearts for years to come," Benjie concluded.