Spinetta to step down from Unilever

Michael Treschow, chairman of Unilever, said: "I would like to take this opportunity to thank Jean-Cyril for his contribution to Unilever. In the short time that he has been on the board of the business his wise counsel and experience have been most helpful. Nevertheless, I do accept that he feels that he is no longer able to devote the time to Unilever that he would wish."

Notes to editors:

• Jean-Cyril Spinetta (54) will cease to be a non-executive director of the boards of both Unilever PLC and Unilever N.V. with immediate effect

• Mr Spinetta joined the boards of Unilever at the AGMs in May 2006

• A successor for Mr Spinetta on the Unilever nomination committee will be announced in due course

• Mr Spinetta is currently chairman and chief executive of Air France/KLM