Unilever Coslidates Divisions, Names New Senior VP for Marketing

On Oct. 9, Unilever announced that three former divisions of Unilever Cosmetics International-Calvin Klein Cosmetics, Unilever Prestige and European Designer Parfums-are being combined.

The divisions’ former presidents, Hilary Dart, Laura Lee Miller and Gabriele Pungerscheg, have being replaced by 20-year Unilever veteran Laura Kaluberg. Ms. Kaluberg has assumed new duties as senior vice president of marketing for UCI, reporting to Kevin Boyce, president and CEO, UCI.

Ms. Klauberg formerly held the title of vice president, brand development for skin care at Unliever Home and Personal Care, North America. In her new role, Ms. Klauberg will head global marketing for all of UCI’s brands, which include Calvin Klein, Nautica, Vera Wang, BCBG, Max Azria and others.

“We are creating this important position to leverage the strength of our organization’s marketing creativity and resources, leading to even greater growth opportunities for our brands,” said Mr. Boyce in a statement. “Laura brings to UCI a wealth of experience in innovation and marketing, and the entire team here is excited about working with her on major UCI initiatives for 2004, including innovations for Calvin Klein, Cerruti and Vera Wang.”

Plans will go forward to launch a men’s version of Vera Wang and a new Cerruti men’s fragrance, CerrutiSi, to be launched in Europe and the Middle East in mid-March.

A spokesperson said that Unilver appreciates the contributions and talents of the three departing presidents and added that the move aims at strengthening the business in a drive to “refine the organization to lead to greater growth and align the organization to focus resources.” She added, “We are very optimistic.”