Zakir Karim has announced his departure from Unilever, bringing to a close a career spanning more than two decades with the global FMCG major.
Most recently, Karim held the role of Vice President, Functional Nutrition, South Asia, alongside serving as General Manager for Horlicks and Boost. Throughout his tenure, he occupied several senior leadership positions across South Asia and Europe, contributing to a wide range of categories including nutrition, foods, tea, dressings, and personal care.
Karim’s international assignments covered key markets such as India, France, Italy, Spain, Portugal, the Netherlands, and broader European regions. Prior to his role in India, he served as General Manager for Nutrition in Southern Europe and as Vice President for Dressings across Europe, the Middle East, and Turkey. His experience also includes leading the Amora-Maille global business and working as Vice President for Foods and Tea in France.
Earlier in his career, Karim took on senior strategy and marketing leadership roles in Europe, led the deodorants category, and managed marketing functions in Portugal. He began his journey at Unilever in Portugal in brand and category management before progressing into regional and global leadership positions.
Sharing the news of his exit on LinkedIn, Karim wrote, “After more than 20 years, it is time to close my chapter at Unilever. This is the company where I built my entire career across multiple countries and roles. It is where I grew professionally, developed my leadership, and shaped the person I am today. Over the years, I have had the privilege of working with many inspiring leaders, colleagues, and teams who supported my growth, challenged me, and became great friends. I am truly grateful to everyone who has been part of this journey. Thank you for the opportunities, the trust, and the memories. Stay tuned for the next chapter.”
Read more: Unilever Elevates Leandro Barreto To Global Marketing Leadership Role
