Executive Directors

All Executive Directors are members of the UEx: Patrick Cescau and, currently, Kees van der Graaf and Ralph Kugler, who will both be leaving the Boards at the 2008 AGMs. Jim Lawrence will be proposed for election as an Executive Director at those AGMs. He is currently a member of UEx in his capacity as Chief Financial Officer.

The Executive Directors are full-time employees of Unilever. Information about their remuneration can be found in the report of the Remuneration Committee and on our website.

The Remuneration Committee takes the view that the entitlement of the Executive Directors to the security of twelve months' notice of termination of employment is in line both with the practice of many comparable companies and the entitlement of other senior executives within Unilever. It is our policy to set the level of severance payments for Directors at no more than one year's salary, unless the Boards, at the proposal of the Remuneration Committee, find this manifestly unreasonable given circumstances or unless dictated by applicable law.

The Executive Directors submit themselves for re-election at the AGMs each year. The Nomination Committee carefully considers each nomination for reappointment.

The Directors stop holding executive office on ceasing to be Directors. Those appointed prior to 2004 retire at the latest by the age of 62. Appointees from 2004 onwards retire at an age between 60 and 65, as decided by either them or Unilever.

We do not grant our Executive Directors any personal loans or guarantees.

There are no family relationships between any of our Executive Directors, other key management personnel or Non-Executive Directors. None of our Executive Directors are elected or appointed under any arrangement or understanding.

Outside Appointments

Unilever recognises the benefit to the individual and to the Group of involvement by Unilever Executives acting as directors of other companies outside the Unilever Group, broadening their experience and knowledge. The number of outside directorships of listed companies is generally limited to one per individual. In the case of publicly listed companies approval is required from the Chairman. Outside directorships must not involve an excessive commitment or conflict of interest. Unilever Executives must at all times ensure that their time commitment to Unilever takes precedence over any outside directorship. As of 2008 fees paid in connection with an outside directorship may be retained by the individual. This reflects that any outside directorship is for the sole responsibility of the individual and that Unilever takes no responsibility in this regard. Executive Directors' biographies are set out within Corporate governance under Biographical details.