AUCKLAND, Today: Unilever New Zealand has welcomed three new senior leaders, appointing Nigel Melhuish, Keely Pipkin, and Sailen Mudaly to key positions across the business.
After eight years at Unilever, Nigel Melhuish takes on Head of Country NZ alongside his role as NZ Supply Chain Manager. With 20 years in FMCG, including 12 at Henkel, he brings deep expertise.
“The New Zealand business has consistently delivered strong results. Last year marked a decade of consecutive growth, showing the strength of Unilever in New Zealand,” says Melhuish.
Keely Pipkin joins as Head of Sales NZ, bringing experience from Nestlé Purina, where she led the sales team. Passionate about building teams and retail partnerships, she starts her new role on 17 March.
“I’m delighted to be joining the Unilever team. With an extensive portfolio of incredible brands, I’m really excited to get stuck into this new role,” she says.
“I’m incredibly excited to be joining the Ice Cream business at such a pivotal time. The next year is about re-founding Ice Cream to create a world-leading, stand-alone business with greater flexibility and autonomy.” – Sailen Mudaly
Sailen Mudaly has been named Head of Country and Sales for NZ Ice Cream, marking a major step in Unilever’s Ice Cream business separation announced in early 2024.
Previously General Manager of Sales at Essano Ltd, Mudaly has also held key roles at Colgate-Palmolive and Reckitt. He’s actively involved in the NZ FGC Talent & Diversity working group, helping attract top talent to FMCG.
“I’m incredibly excited to be joining the Ice Cream business at such a pivotal time,” he says. “The next year is about re-founding Ice Cream to create a world-leading, stand-alone business with greater flexibility and autonomy.”
Unilever’s Ice Cream business is set to separate by the end of 2025, listing in Amsterdam, London, and New York. It will be incorporated in the Netherlands and headquartered in Amsterdam.
This decision follows a Board-led review focused on maximising shareholder returns and ensuring long-term success for the Ice Cream business as a stand-alone company.
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