Even the most beautiful love stories come to an end. A few months ago, I have decided to leave Unilever and the past few days were my last as the leader of the Dove brand. I am leaving with a deep feeling of Pride and Gratitude. PRIDE... After helping start the Real Beauty movement 20 years ago, with the launch of #Campaignforrealbeauty, I had the privilege to lead a brand that has become the #1 provider of body confidence education in the world, with 114mn children educated… tripling its business to a 6Bn Euro iconic brand. We never stopped growing since those days in 2004 and have kept accelerating; hitting our best result in more than a decade in ‘23 and now carrying an even greater impetus in ’24. This allowed us to demonstrate that Social impact, when fully embedded into a business, not only does not trade off with Profit, but is a phenomenal driver of growth. And those who know me well, know how much of an obsession this has always been for me: to keep demonstrating that there is a ‘better’ way of doing business. GRATITUDE… Ending my adventure with the 20 years anniversary of Real Beauty is such a beautiful closure of a circle. I joined Unilever more than two decades ago attracted by three things. The humanity of its leadership, the humanity of its unique marketing philosophy, deeply rooted in building emotional bonds with people, and the humanity of its purpose. Throughout my career within Unilever, I was allowed to cultivate these incredible assets and inject them into the brands I was lucky to work on, which makes me forever grateful to this company. I will always carry the torch of this humanity, wherever I go, whatever I do next. Huge thank you to all my beloved teachers and mentors for their trust and wisdom, my wonderful teams, and lifelong partners for sharing with me their passion, steady commitment to our brand’s mission and our common ’allergy to second best’. Finally, thanks to all those precious friends I met during this beautiful chapter of my life. Forever. #LetsChangeBeauty 💙 💙 #Ogilvy #Edelman
Pau Bartoli
2w
Ale, thanks for everything. I was going through the comments on your post: WOW! That's a true testament of that pride you mention. What you've built is incredible as a Marketeer, but also HOW you've done it, how many of us you've impacted, inspired, helped. A true leader. You ARE inspiring an industry to change. Forever grateful, forza Ale!
It was a pleasure and honor to work with you. I wish you all the best in your next chapter.
Alessandro. Just read your post about your leaving Unilever, and Dove. I'm very pleased for you, but so sad for Dove. For over 20 years, you have been the Captain, the Navigator, the Engine, the Spirit and the Soul of the Good Ship Dove. Your calmness, kindness and deep sense of caring made everything possible. Particularly for your creative agencies. As your board your new ship, I do hope you find a new horizon that inspires and motivates you as much as Dove has done. There will be crosswinds and sirens that may draw you onto unknown rocks, as there were on Dove, but I am sure your proven seafaring skills will guide you gloriously to your new Eden.
Such an amazing legacy and impact on all of us who have been lucky to work with you. Thanks a lot for your all your teaching, inspiration, and friendship. All the best for this new chapter. Missing you already!
Still remember the very early days on Dove in Greenwich…where somehow it all started ❤️, truly amazing what you & the brand have achieved since then. Big hug & to exciting new beginnings 🙌.
Ale - so much to be proud of. Both professionally and personally. The love and care you have given Dove, and the multitude of other brands you have worked for was only met by the love for the people and teams you were responsible for over the years. Wish you and your family well. We’ll stay in touch.
Dove would not be what it is today without you and your leadership. Always an inspiration, a true partner, a friend. Thank you Ale.
Beautifully written and well put - why am I not surprised? Congrats on an amazing story at Unilever my friend. And the best is yet to come!
Chief Brand Officer and Chief Equity Diversity & Inclusion Officer at Unilever
2wAle, it was such a blessing to have you in my journey💛. It was such a blessing to be there with you working in Oral Care 🦷🪥😁 and later on the crafting of the amazing campaign for Dove Real Beauty, that now we are celebrating 20 years ! 🕊️🕊️ It was such a blessing to see you inspiring marketers within Unilever and in the industry 🙏 It was such a blessing to see you moving on and continuing your path to greatness ! 🌟 Wishing you all million blessing ✨✨✨