Dove CMO Alessandro Manfredi is leaving after more than two decades with Unilever, he shared in a LinkedIn post. Manfredi was instrumental in creating the brand’s “Real Beauty” platform, which challenges traditional beauty standards for women and promotes self-confidence. Celebrating its 20th anniversary, “Real Beauty” is recognized as a key example of purpose-led marketing, integrating social and value-driven messages into widespread consumer campaigns.
“I joined Unilever over two decades ago, attracted by three things: the humanity of its leadership, its unique marketing philosophy rooted in building emotional bonds, and its purpose,” Manfredi wrote. “Throughout my career at Unilever, I was able to cultivate these incredible assets and incorporate them into the brands I worked on, for which I am forever grateful. I will always carry the torch of this humanity, wherever I go, and whatever I do next.”
In the latest “Real Beauty” campaign launched in April, Dove pledged never to use artificial intelligence (AI) models in place of real women in its advertisements. The campaign also addressed the unrealistic beauty standards generated by AI platforms. Over the years, “Real Beauty” has evolved to tackle the impact of modern technology, including social media and beauty filters, on the confidence of girls and women.
Manfredi’s departure coincides with Unilever’s structural shake-up as part of a turnaround plan, which included shedding assets like its ice cream business. Previous company leadership faced criticism from investors for prioritizing brand purpose initiatives over business fundamentals.
This news follows Unilever being named the 2024 Creative Marketer of the Year by the Cannes Lions International Festival. In his announcement, Manfredi noted that Dove achieved its best brand results in over a decade in 2023. “This allowed us to demonstrate that social impact, when fully embedded into a business, not only does not trade off with profit but is a phenomenal driver of growth,” he wrote.