Biography of Shazia Syed: Global EVP -Beverages at Unilever Pakistani Businesswomen
CEO of the Unilever Pakistan
Biography of Shazia Syed:
Educational Background and Personal Life
Shazia Syed holds a master's degree in Business
Administration from Clayton State University, underscoring her academic prowess
and dedication to continuous learning. Beyond her professional achievements,
she is a devoted wife and mother of two children.
From Humble Beginnings to Global Leadership
Shazia Syed, a prominent Pakistani businesswoman, traces her
roots to a small village in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. Despite her modest
beginnings, she has risen to become a pivotal figure at Unilever, boasting over
30 years of dedicated service to the organization.
From Trainee to CEO
Syed's journey at Unilever is a testament to her determination
to challenge gender norms and excel in the corporate world. After completing
her MBA at Clayton University in the U.S., she joined Unilever in 1989 as a
Management Trainee. Over the next 26 years, Syed's career at the global FMCG
giant flourished as she moved through various departments and divisions,
including Customer Development and Home & Personal Care.
Early Career and International Ventures
Shazia Syed embarked on her career journey with Unilever in
1989, starting from the ground up as a Management Trainee. Her dedication and
strategic acumen quickly propelled her into diverse roles across different
regions and sectors within the company.
In 2000, she ventured to Vietnam, taking on the role of
Business Unit Leader for Personal Care at Unilever Vietnam. For three years,
Shazia led initiatives that enhanced operational efficiency and spurred growth
in the region's personal care segment, marking a significant chapter in her
career.
Strategic Leadership in Pakistan
Returning to Pakistan in 2004, Shazia Syed transitioned into
pivotal leadership positions at Unilever Pakistan Limited. Initially serving as
Vice President of Marketing for Home and Personal Care, she played a crucial
role in shaping brand strategies and expanding market presence. Her expertise
grew further when she assumed the role of Vice President of Marketing for
Refreshments in 2009, overseeing strategic initiatives in the beverages sector.
Recognizing her capabilities, Unilever appointed Shazia as
an executive director of Unilever Pakistan Limited in 2009. Concurrently, she
served as a Director at Unilever Pakistan Foods Limited, where her strategic
insights and governance expertise significantly contributed to the company's
growth and operational excellence.
Leading a Consumer Goods Giant
Currently serving as the Chairperson and Chief Executive
Officer of Unilever Pakistan, Syed commands a company that plays a pivotal role
in Pakistani households. Under her leadership, Unilever Pakistan has become
synonymous with quality and influence, boasting over Rs8,500 crore in sales and
impacting nearly every household in the country with its diverse range of products.
Global Leadership Roles
Syed's leadership extends beyond Pakistan. She has
represented Unilever in various capacities globally, including as a Business
Unit Leader in Vietnam from 2000 to 2003 and as the Chairperson of Unilever Sri
Lanka from 2013 to 2016. These roles underscore her strategic acumen and
ability to navigate diverse markets and cultures.
Trailblazing Leadership in Sri Lanka
In a historic move, Shazia Syed became the first female
Chairperson of Unilever Sri Lanka Limited in November 2013. Her tenure in Sri
Lanka, lasting until October 2015, was marked by remarkable achievements in
business growth and market expansion. Under her leadership, Unilever
strengthened its position as a market leader, setting new benchmarks in the region's
consumer goods industry.
Biography of Shazia Syed: Global EVP -Beverages at Unilever Pakistani Businesswomen/Entrepreneur/investor/CEO of the Unilever Pakistan Limited/success
Return to Pakistan and CEO Role
Returning to Pakistan in April 2014 as an executive director
at Unilever Pakistan, Shazia Syed continued to drive transformative initiatives
across various functions. Her strategic prowess and leadership acumen paved the
way for her appointment as Chairperson and CEO of Unilever Pakistan Limited in
November 2015. In this role, she led the company through strategic
transformations and sustainable growth initiatives, solidifying Unilever's
market leadership in Pakistan.
Global Leadership in Beverages
Today, Shazia Syed serves as the Global EVP Beverages at
Unilever's headquarters in Rotterdam. Leveraging her extensive experience and
visionary leadership, she continues to drive innovation and growth in the
global beverages sector, steering Unilever towards new heights of success in
the international market. Her journey from a Management Trainee to a global
executive exemplifies resilience, strategic foresight, and a relentless pursuit
of excellence in the corporate arena.
A Journey of Professional Growth
Shazia Syed's career at Unilever spans across various roles
and departments, reflecting her extensive experience and deep understanding of
the business. Her journey began in the trenches, working her way up through
different divisions to gain invaluable insights and expertise.
Leadership Roles at Unilever
Prior to her tenure as the CEO of Unilever Pakistan Limited
from November 2015 to February 2020, Shazia Syed served as the Chairperson and
CEO of Unilever Sri Lanka Limited. During her leadership, she spearheaded
initiatives across Home & Personal Care and Customer Development,
positioning Unilever as a formidable player in the market.
Roles in Prominent Organizations
Syed's commitment to leadership extends beyond her
professional achievements. She holds pivotal roles in several influential organizations,
including serving as a Director of the Pakistan Business Council. Additionally,
she contributes her expertise as a Member of the Board of Governors of the
National Management Foundation and as a trustee for the Duke of Edinburgh's
Award Foundation in Pakistan. These roles underscore her dedication to
fostering business excellence and youth development in the country.
Election as Vice-President
In February 2018, Syed achieved another milestone in her
career when she was unanimously elected as the vice-president of the Overseas
Investors Chamber of Commerce and Industry. This election reflected her peers'
trust and confidence in her leadership abilities, further cementing her stature
as a prominent figure in Pakistan's business community.
Vision and Impact
Known for her strategic acumen and innovative thinking,
Shazia Syed's tenure at Unilever Pakistan was marked by transformative
initiatives aimed at driving growth and sustainability. Her goal-oriented
approach and commitment to excellence have cemented her reputation as a leader
capable of navigating complex challenges.
Continued Influence
As the Global EVP - Beverages at Unilever, Shazia Syed
continues to shape the company's global strategy, leveraging her wealth of
experience to drive innovation and sustainable growth. Her leadership journey
serves as an inspiration for aspiring professionals, showcasing the power of
determination and resilience in achieving career success.
Award-Winning Leadership
In July 2015, Sri Lanka's Women in Management honored Syed
with the prestigious "Best International Women Leadership" award.
This recognition celebrated her outstanding leadership qualities on a global
scale, highlighting her impact and influence in the corporate world.
A Recognized Corporate Figure
By 2016, Syed had gained significant recognition in
Pakistan's corporate realm, earning praise as one of the country's most
distinguished personalities in the corporate sector, as noted by The Express
Tribune. Her contributions and achievements were acknowledged widely,
solidifying her reputation as a formidable leader.
