Unilever Prestige CEO Vasiliki Petrou to Depart, Plans to Launch Investment Fund

Vasiliki Petrou, the founding CEO of Unilever’s Prestige division, has announced her departure from the company. Petrou, who established Unilever Prestige in 2014, led the acquisition of 10 brands, including K18, contributing to a portfolio that achieved $1.5 billion in turnover in 2023. Notably, brands like Dermalogica and Paula’s Choice have become some of Unilever’s top 30 largest brands. Under her leadership, the division has enjoyed 13 consecutive quarters of growth.

In a LinkedIn post on June 13, Petrou reflected on the impact of Unilever Prestige, stating that it disrupted traditional paradigms and created a new playbook for premium beauty acquisitions and sustainable long-term growth. Her last day with Unilever will be July 30, after which she plans to launch her own investment fund.

At The Business of Beauty Global Forum on June 4, Petrou shared her investment philosophy, advising against quick exits for founders. She emphasized the importance of long-term thinking, stating that a desire for a fast exit within four years would deter her from buying a brand. Petrou believes that such a mindset leads to poor strategic decisions, emphasizing that her primary consideration when evaluating a brand is its potential longevity of 10 to 15 years.

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