The Anglo-Dutch consumer packaged goods giant said that the decision to open the centre in Asia reflected that 55% of its revenue now comes from developing and emerging markets. Dubbed Four Acres Singapore, the centre was opened in the presence of top Singapore officials and politicians, including Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong.
Unilever CEO Paul Polman said in a statement: “Singapore sits at the nexus of the developed and emerging world. It’s a leading hub for leadership and innovation, and a gateway to the rapidly growing Asian economies. When our future leaders come here, whichever part of the world they come from, we know they will gain exposure to new insights and perspectives.
“The launch of Four Acres Singapore provides the opportunity to take leadership development – in the service of both Unilever and the communities where we operate – to a whole new level.”
The company intends that Four Acres Singapore will deliver more than half of Unilever’s global leadership development programmes. Alongside the Four Acres London programme in the UK, the company will train about 2,800 people a year across the two sites, it said.
“Four Acres London has set the standard in leadership development since it was established over 60 years ago, underpinning our commitment to nurturing world class talent. The launch of Four Acres Singapore will continue this tradition, further lifting our capacity and underlining our commitment to Asia – as an increasingly important hub for talent,” said Polman.
The academic programme has been developed in partnership with INSEAD, Harvard Business School and Singapore Management University.
Unilever already has a global operations hub in Singapore.