Unilever�s growth strategy
Critical Analysis of the Performance of Unilever since 2006
In 1999, Unilever implemented what they considered to be an ambitious strategy named 'Path to Growth' which they believed achieved a lot in terms of 'brand focus, global buying, operating margins and capital efficiency' (Cescau & Rivers, 2007b). However, according to the then Group Chief Executive Patrick
Cescau, the 'strategy failed to transform growth performance' (Cescau & Rivers, 2007b, 1). Consequently, adjustments were made to the strategy between 2005 and 2006, aimed at reorganizing and streamlining
Unilever's organization and to increase awareness of the Unilever brand (Johnson & Scholes, 2006).
The changes improved Unilever overall between 2006 and 2009 despite the economic downturn which was to occur during the course of the strategy implementation. Between this time period Unilever primarily focused on four areas: innovation, disciplined execution of strategy, focused cost cutting and driving a performance culture (Unilever, 2009a).
In terms of innovation, Unilever delivered 'bigger and better innovations, rolled out faster and to more markets' (Unilever, 2009, 5). The tremendous success in fast and effective rollout of innovations was enhanced greatly by the one organizational structure (One Unilever) introduced into the business as a result of the adjustments made to Path to Growth (Unilever, 2009a). For example, the Dove Minimising Deodorant has been rolled out across 37 markets and Clear Shampoo across 37 markets. The success in this area has also been reward by the business publication Fast Company which 'recently recognized us as the fourth most innovative company in advertising and marketing.
In terms of cost saving, the business focused on discontinuing and cutting out activities that failed to add value. The restructuring was one such