2024 Grocery Industry Icons & Innovators

Herrish Patel was appointed President Unilever USA and CEO Personal Care North America in January 2024.  In his role as President of Unilever USA, Herrish is the senior executive representing Unilever’s business in the U.S., focusing on building Unilever’s corporate reputation, culture, and talent network, as well as leading its customer business development and governance agendas. As CEO Personal Care North America and a member of the Personal Care Business Group Leadership Team, Herrish is responsible for Unilever’s deodorant and skin cleansing business in the U.S. and Canada. In this role, Herrish oversees Unilever’s category-leading, innovation-powered Personal Care brands including Dove, Degree, and Axe among other brands.

Herrish joined the company in 2001, and has moved across the globe – including Australia, Eastern Europe, and Asia – managing sales, marketing, category management, and strategic development. Herrish moved to the U.S. in 2021 and served as Executive Vice President of Nutrition North America, where he oversaw Unilever’s beloved Nutrition brands including Hellmann’s and Knorr, as well as Sir Kensington’s and Maille.  His earlier appointments with Unilever included leading the East Europe leadership team responsible for consumers across 20 countries in Eastern Europe, managing director for Czech & Slovak Republic, and customer development positions in Australia & New Zealand and in Singapore.

Prior to joining Unilever, Herrish spent six years in the CPG industry in sales and customer development positions in the UK, including with Nestlé and Iceland Frozen Foods. 

Herrish is a graduate from the University of Cardiff, UK, BSc. (Hons.) Economics & Management Studies. He is married with two children, and lives in New York City.