All eyes are on Unilever. In 2015 the consumer goods giant became an instant player in the global prestige beauty market with the purchase of a number of niche brands, including Dermalogica, Murad, Kate Somerville and REN. However, the company’s future plans for growth extend far beyond acquisitions. Some of growth strategies include strengthening its core businesses through innovation, capitalizing on its brands’ histories and premiumizing mass offerings.

“As premium brands grow at double the speed of the rest, premiumization will continue to be a core part of our strategy,” said Kees Kruythoff, Unilever’s North American President.

There is also a key focus on sustainability and corporate responsibility. Unilever promises to become ‘Carbon Positive’ by 2030, an initiative that will result in achieving 100 percent of renewable energy across all operations. The company also invited competitors to adopt its compressed technology to reduce the environmental impact on the industry.

Beyond environmental commitments, Unilever has a strong commitment to building purpose-driven brands.

“Having each of our Personal Care brands stand for something bigger and more meaningful beyond the product is important to us,” said Tamara Rogers, EVP Personal Care USA. “Dove has always been the case study – but expect to see that from more of Unilever’s brands in the future.”

On Tuesday, March 29 both Kees and Tamara will sit down with Jill Scalamandre, SVP, philosophy and CMO, Coty Skincare, Coty Inc., and CEW Chairwoman, for a candid conversation at CEW’s Newsmaker Forum event, Unilever’s Beauty Power Play. The two executives will discuss:

• Why Unilever saw acquisition opportunities at a time when other large manufacturers were looking to divest.
• How they’re balancing prestige skincare while premiumizing their core mass market personal care brands.

• How Unilever is reducing its environmental impact and the steps all brands could be taking towards sustainability.

• Their future plans for innovation and growth.

The event will take place at The Union League Club in Midtown Manhattan.A cocktails and networking reception will begin at 5:30 p.m., followed by the program, from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Seats at the event are filling up quickly. Confirmed attendees include executives from Amazon.com, Coty Inc., The Estée Lauder Companies, Inc., Google, Maybelline New York*Garnier*essie, Procter & Gamble and more. To register to attend this event, click here.