A Unique Experience in Leadership from UnileverBy Saeid M Binzagr

This article marks a departure from my usual Arabic writings, as I share—in English—a period of profound transformation at Unilever Arabia under the remarkable leadership of Sanjiv Mehta. As I attended my first meeting as Chairman of the Board at the Binzagr Unilever factory in Jeddah. Eager for my new responsibilities, I anticipated a routine session focused on the agenda. However, Sanjiv Mehta paused the proceedings and addressed me directly, setting a tone that would redefine our approach to value creation.

Saeid, the reason you sit here is because you add value. You are as good to Unilever, and to me, as what you have done lately. Thank you for your past contributions, but what have you done since then to increase our margins? From now on, at every meeting, I expect you to share the value you’ve added since our last session

He then posed the same challenge to every board member. This was not simply a call to accountability—it was a declaration of Unilever’s ambition.

Under Mehta’s stewardship, Unilever Arabia experienced a meteoric rise, with the business more than doubling in size over the ensuing decade. At times, annual growth rates even exceeded 20%, well above industry norms. This period reflected more than numbers; it encapsulated a leadership ethos that galvanized individuals to pursue both organizational and personal growth.

Transformative Leadership in Action

Sanjiv Mehta’s style is rooted in transformational leadership. He inspires teams to achieve a shared vision by aligning individual aspirations with collective goals, fostering positive change in both people and performance. His approach is consistently credited with outstanding business results.

During Mehta’s tenure overseeing the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) operations from 2008 to 2013, Unilever’s regional performance was robust. While precise figures for Unilever Arabia remain private, external reports show Unilever’s business in the Middle East grew from $600million in 2005 to $700million in 2006 and continued expanding, with Saudi Arabia repeatedly cited as a critical growth market.

By 2018, Unilever’s annual turnover in the MENA region had reached approximately $1.9billion, supported by strong double-digit annual growth rates. These figures, while not solely attributable to Saudi Arabia, indicate the scale and momentum achieved under Mehta’s direction.

Personal Perspective and Board Experience

I served as Chairman of the Board at the Binzagr Unilever factory, which was established as a joint venture in 1978. My engagement spanned a decade as Chairman and a further years as Director, offering a privileged vantage point to witness Unilever’s evolution in Saudi Arabia.

Doubling the Business: A Global Pattern

Sanjiv Mehta is widely credited for driving transformation across multiple Unilever markets. His most celebrated tenure, as Chairman and Managing Director of Hindustan Unilever Limited (HUL) in India (2013–2023), resulted in turnover growing by 2.3 times and market capitalization increasing nearly fivefold, surpassing $70billion. EBITDA margins improved by 860 basis points, reflecting sustained operational excellence.
Though official sources do not provide precise figures for Unilever Arabia during Mehta’s leadership, the company’s global ambition to double business every ten years is well-recorded—requiring a compound annual growth rate of just over 7%, and much higher if doubled over a shorter period. Across the region, Unilever consistently achieved double-digit growth.

Leadership and Recognition

Sanjiv Mehta’s illustrious career at Unilever spanned more than three decades and 25 countries. As Head of MENA (2008–2013), he laid the groundwork for the group’s subsequent successes. Later, in India, his achievements became benchmarks for the global fast-moving consumer goods industry.
• Margin Performance: HUL’s EBITDA margin increased by 860 basis points under Mehta’s leadership from 2013–2023.
• Principle of Value Addition: He consistently stressed that all leaders must demonstrate ongoing, measurable value at each meeting—a philosophy corroborated by public interviews and company culture.
• Employer Excellence: Unilever Arabia and its partners have been repeatedly recognized as top employers and business partners in Saudi Arabia.
• Awards: Mehta’s leadership and Unilever’s transformation have received numerous regional and international honors, including accolades for governance and sustainability