“Greatness is not in where we stand, but in the direction we are moving.” This statement by Oliver Wendell Holmes, an American judicial juggernaut in the early nineteenth century almost effectively mirrors the ancient Chinese truism which states that the journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.
This couldn’t be truer for Chris Wulff-Caesar, a name that is not unfamiliar in the marketing communications circle in Nigeria and indeed, on the African continent and beyond. Chris’ story speaks to the power of perseverance, resilience, and dedication – a tale of an individual who started from the lowest rung of the corporate ladder and climbed his way to the very apex, becoming the recently announced Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Unilever Ghana.
Indeed, one could argue that Chris’s journey with Unilever began even before he was born, as his mother had been working at the multinational fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) company for years. Starting his career as a ‘corper’ or Corps Member, as they are known in Nigeria, Chris dutifully completed his compulsory Ghanaian one-year National Service with Unilever. From there, his path took him on a winding journey, with moves back and forth, until he ultimately returned to take up the highest position for the company in Ghana.
In this timely and insightful piece, Chris shares his professional odyssey, shedding light on how his path was, in many ways, “orchestrated” through the years, leading him back to his roots at Unilever Nigeria.
By Chris Wulff-Caesar
My journey epitomizes Unilever’s purpose of making sustainable living commonplace. Born into the Unilever family, with a mother who dedicated over two decades of her career to the company, my path was set early. Thanks to a Unilever Ghana scholarship, I pursued my secondary education, laying the foundation for what would become an amazing career journey.
After university (probably by design), I did my National Service at Unilever Ghana’s Personnel Department (as it was called at the time). I was involved in employee relations and management development. This was a year with a huge learning trajectory, especially on self management. This period helped me to fine-tune my personal career ambitions. I left after national service and briefly explored opportunities at Maersk Sealand just across the road from Unilever. However, my heart remained with Unilever, leading me to participate and successfully complete the rigorous Unilever Management Trainee Program. Out of the 500 plus applicants that applied for the programme that year, I was one of the three selected.
Returning to Unilever Ghana as a management trainee in 1999, I immersed myself in every aspect of the company, soap packing on the factory floor, being a farmer on plantations and driving marketing campaigns for iconic brands like OMO and Lux. My passion for brand stewardship propelled me to the marketing realm, where I given opportunities to spearhead notable campaigns that left a lasting impact on our consumers.
In 2003, my journey with Unilever led me to Unilever South Africa, where I joined the Regional Savoury Team, gaining invaluable experiences across our African markets while juggling personal milestones, including marriage and the birth of my twins.
In 2006, I returned to Unilever Ghana as Marketing Manager for Foods, eventually leading the Foods business team and overseeing beloved brands like Frytol, Blueband, and Royco. Within a year in this role, I was offered a great opportunity at Accra Brewery Limited, a subsidiary of SABMiller where I spent three and a half years as Marketing Director, revitalizing Ghana’s flagship lager beer brand, CLUB
Following a successful tenure in the beverage industry spanning over a decade, I joined FrieslandCampina, assuming various leadership roles, including Cluster Marketing Director for Sub-Saharan Africa.
In a full-circle moment, I returned to Unilever Ghana as CEO, bringing back with me a wealth of experience and a deep-rooted commitment to Unilever’s purpose.
As I walk up the stairs to my office everyday, I am overwhelmed with gratitude to all my predecessors, coaches, ex-colleagues who have shaped and impacted me on this journey.
I continue to be inspired by this company’s reputation as a force for good; underpinned by a passion for excellence, and a dedication to consistently making a positive impact in Ghana.
The task is clear to continue building on this positive legacy. The good news is that we have great people, amazing brands,right technology and systems, as well as dedicated partners for the next phase of our journey. Our overarching goal remains to shape the future of sustainable living for everyone in Ghana.