Paul Polman

Paul Polman

Keynote Speaker: Former CEO of Unilever, Sustainability Leader, UN Global Compact Chair

Paul Polman Biography

Paul Polman focuses on pioneering sustainable business models that drive profitability while advancing social and environmental goals. He believes that humanity can only overcome our greatest shared challenges—such as climate change and inequality—through far-reaching systems change and bold new partnerships to deliver the UN Sustainable Development Goals, which he helped develop.

As the former CEO of Unilever (2009-2019), Polman demonstrated that businesses could profit through purpose, marrying a long-term, multi-stakeholder model with excellent financial performance. Under his leadership, Unilever achieved 290% shareholder returns and consistently ranked first globally for sustainability, making it one of the best places to work. He is widely recognized for his role in positioning Unilever at the forefront of corporate sustainability and for his influential thought leadership, as acknowledged by Thinkers50.

Today, Polman works across various organizations and initiatives to accelerate global action needed to regenerate our planet, renew our economies, and unite our societies. He champions systemic changes within industries such as fashion and food and fosters collaboration between the private sector, government, and civil society, including his leadership roles with the UN Global Compact, and as an Ambassador for the Race to Zero and Race to Resilience. He is also committed to developing future leaders through his chairmanship at the Oxford University Saïd Business School and his involvement with INSEAD, IESE, and the Boards of PRME and One Young World.

In 2021, Polman published his critically-acclaimed book with sustainability expert Andrew Winston, "Net Positive," which outlines how companies can be successful by solving the world's problems rather than creating them. He continues to influence through keynote addresses at significant events like the Audi Summit for Progress and the GLF Climate 2021 and remains an active voice in promoting human rights, tackling inequality, and empowering businesses to align profit with purpose effectively.

Contact a speaker booking agent to check availability on Paul Polman and other top speakers and celebrities.

Paul Polman Speaking Topics

Net Positive: Courageous Leadership and Business as a Force for Good

This is a crucial moment for humanity. A ticking time bomb for our planet. Business leaders stand at a tipping point. Our current system is in crisis and we need new, courageous leadership to steer businesses that are good for people and planet, whilst remaining profitable. Paul Polman will outline the principles of Net Positive leadership and the personal, company and broader systems changes needed to reach a more sustainable and equitable planet.

Paul Polman Videos

In conversation with Paul Polman: Sustainability innovation
Former Unilever CEO Says Aiming for Sustainability Isn’t Enough.
Speaker Announcement 2021 P&G Alumni Network Global Conference: Paul Polman

How do I book Paul Polman to speak at my event?

Our experienced booking agents have successfully helped clients around the world secure speakers like Paul Polman for speaking engagements, personal appearances, product endorsements, or corporate entertainment since 2002. Click the Check Schedule button above and complete the form on this page to check availability for Paul Polman, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536 to discuss your upcoming event. One of our experienced agents will be happy to help you get speaking fee information and check availability for Paul Polman or any other speaker of your choice.

How much does it cost to book Paul Polman for a speaking engagement?

Speaking fees for Paul Polman, or any other speakers and celebrities, are determined based on a number of factors and may change without notice. The estimated fees to book Paul Polman are $100,000 - $200,000 for live events and $50,000 - $100,000 for virtual events. For the most current speaking fee to hire Paul Polman, click the Check Schedule button above and complete the form on this page, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536 to speak directly with an experienced booking agent.

What topics does Paul Polman speak about?

Paul Polman is a keynote speaker and industry expert who speaks on a wide range of topics such as World Affairs, Innovation, Leadership, Authors, Business Leadership, Business, Entrepreneurship, Business Growth, Executive Leadership, Sales, Social Activism, Non-Profit, Sustainability, Ethics & Integrity, Environment, ESG and Finance.

Where does Paul Polman travel from?

Paul Polman generally travels from London, UK and can be booked for (private) corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances.

Who is the agent for Paul Polman?

AAE Speakers Bureau has successfully secured keynote speakers like Paul Polman for clients worldwide since 2002. As a full-service speaker booking agency, we have access to virtually any speaker or celebrity in the world. Our agents are happy and able to submit an offer to the speaker or celebrity of your choice, letting you benefit from our reputation and long-standing relationships in the industry. Please click the Check Schedule button above and complete the form on this page including the details of your event, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536, and one of our agents will assist you to book Paul Polman for your next private or corporate function.

What is a full-service speaker booking agency?

AAE Speakers Bureau is a full-service speaker booking agency, meaning we can completely manage the speaker’s or celebrity’s engagement with your organization from the time of booking your speaker through the event’s completion. We provide all of the services you need to host Paul Polman or any other speaker of your choice, including offer negotiation, contractual assistance, accounting and billing, and event speaker travel and logistics services. When you book a speaker with us, we manage the process of hosting a speaker for you as an extension of your team. Our goal is to give our clients peace of mind and a best-in-class service experience when booking a speaker with us.

Why is AAE Speakers Bureau different from other booking agencies?

If you’re looking for the best speaker recommendations, paired with a top-notch customer service experience, you’re in the right place. At AAE Speakers Bureau, we exclusively represent the interests of our clients - professional organizations, companies, universities, and associations. We intentionally do not represent the speakers we feature or book. That is so we can present our clients with the broadest and best performing set of speaker options in the market today, and we can make these recommendations without any obligation to promote a specific speaker over another. This is why when our agents suggest a speaker for your event, you can be assured that they are of the highest quality with a history of proven success with our other clients.


Paul Polman is a keynote speaker and industry expert who speaks on a wide range of topics including World Affairs, Innovation and Leadership. The estimated speaking fee range to book Paul Polman for live events is $100,000 - $200,000, and for virtual events $50,000 - $100,000. Paul Polman generally travels from London, UK and can be booked for (private) corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances. Similar motivational celebrity speakers are Peter Diamandis, Scott Galloway and Ian Bremmer. Contact All American Speakers for ratings, reviews, videos and information on scheduling Paul Polman for an upcoming event.

Speaker profile last updated by AAE Talent Team on 04/11/2024.

Paul Polman Speaking Topics

  • Net Positive: Courageous Leadership and Business as a Force for Good

    This is a crucial moment for humanity. A ticking time bomb for our planet. Business leaders stand at a tipping point. Our current system is in crisis and we need new, courageous leadership to steer businesses that are good for people and planet, whilst remaining profitable. Paul Polman will outline the principles of Net Positive leadership and the personal, company and broader systems changes needed to reach a more sustainable and equitable planet.

Paul Polman Videos

In conversation with Paul Polman: Sustainability innovation
Former Unilever CEO Says Aiming for Sustainability Isn’t Enough.
Speaker Announcement 2021 P&G Alumni Network Global Conference: Paul Polman
Uniting Business LIVE 2021: Fireside Chat Achieving Net Positive
"Can Business Save the World?" Guest Lecture Featuring Paul Polman

Paul Polman Reviews

  • Paul was one of the most gracious former CEOs I've had the pleasure of meeting. He gave time willingly back stage to other CEOs, speakers, and volunteers. I wish him much success with his book -- and on his and our joint mission to activate climate-friendly business practices.
    GBTA - Aug 17 2023

Paul Polman News

  • How do I book Paul Polman to speak at my event?

    Our experienced booking agents have successfully helped clients around the world secure speakers like Paul Polman for speaking engagements, personal appearances, product endorsements, or corporate entertainment since 2002. Click the Check Schedule button above and complete the form on this page to check availability for Paul Polman, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536 to discuss your upcoming event. One of our experienced agents will be happy to help you get speaking fee information and check availability for Paul Polman or any other speaker of your choice.
  • How much does it cost to book Paul Polman for a speaking engagement?

    Speaking fees for Paul Polman, or any other speakers and celebrities, are determined based on a number of factors and may change without notice. The estimated fees to book Paul Polman are $100,000 - $200,000 for live events and $50,000 - $100,000 for virtual events. For the most current speaking fee to hire Paul Polman, click the Check Schedule button above and complete the form on this page, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536 to speak directly with an experienced booking agent.
  • What topics does Paul Polman speak about?

    Paul Polman is a keynote speaker and industry expert who speaks on a wide range of topics such as World Affairs, Innovation, Leadership, Authors, Business Leadership, Business, Entrepreneurship, Business Growth, Executive Leadership, Sales, Social Activism, Non-Profit, Sustainability, Ethics & Integrity, Environment, ESG and Finance.
  • Where does Paul Polman travel from?

    Paul Polman generally travels from London, UK and can be booked for (private) corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances.
  • Who is the agent for Paul Polman?

    AAE Speakers Bureau has successfully secured keynote speakers like Paul Polman for clients worldwide since 2002. As a full-service speaker booking agency, we have access to virtually any speaker or celebrity in the world. Our agents are happy and able to submit an offer to the speaker or celebrity of your choice, letting you benefit from our reputation and long-standing relationships in the industry. Please click the Check Schedule button above and complete the form on this page including the details of your event, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536, and one of our agents will assist you to book Paul Polman for your next private or corporate function.
  • What is a full-service speaker booking agency?

    AAE Speakers Bureau is a full-service speaker booking agency, meaning we can completely manage the speaker’s or celebrity’s engagement with your organization from the time of booking your speaker through the event’s completion. We provide all of the services you need to host Paul Polman or any other speaker of your choice, including offer negotiation, contractual assistance, accounting and billing, and event speaker travel and logistics services. When you book a speaker with us, we manage the process of hosting a speaker for you as an extension of your team. Our goal is to give our clients peace of mind and a best-in-class service experience when booking a speaker with us.
  • Why is AAE Speakers Bureau different from other booking agencies?

    If you’re looking for the best speaker recommendations, paired with a top-notch customer service experience, you’re in the right place. At AAE Speakers Bureau, we exclusively represent the interests of our clients - professional organizations, companies, universities, and associations. We intentionally do not represent the speakers we feature or book. That is so we can present our clients with the broadest and best performing set of speaker options in the market today, and we can make these recommendations without any obligation to promote a specific speaker over another. This is why when our agents suggest a speaker for your event, you can be assured that they are of the highest quality with a history of proven success with our other clients.
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