Speaker

As SVP HR global categories & R&D for Unilever, Ms. Laird is responsible for managing the development of talent, organizations and culture across the region in alignment with Unilever’s global HR strategies. She is specifically responsible for HR operations, labor relations, continuous improvement, and change management for Unilever’s businesses within North and Latin America. She serves as a member of both the Americas Leadership Team and Unilever’s Global HR Leadership Team. Ms. Laird also serves as the head of Communications for Unilever Americas. In this role, she is responsible for delivering a cohesive communications strategy in the region, ensuring the integrity of the Unilever brand, and effectively linking together Unilever’s internal and external communications efforts, including media relations, public affairs, corporate responsibility and employee communications. She serves as a member of the Unilever’s Global Communications Leadership Team. Ms. Laird joined Unilever as labor and employment counsel for Unilever United States in 1991. In 1994, she moved to Human Resources to support the Unilever Foods North America business group and was subsequently appointed to the board of Lipton as vice president, Human Resources in 1998. In 2000, she was appointed senior vice president, Human Resources for Unilever Bestfoods North America, and in 2005, senior vice president, Human Resources and Communications for Unilever Americas. Prior to joining Unilever, she practiced law at the New York law firm of Mudge, Rose, Guthrie, Alexander & Ferdon. Ms. Laird is a graduate of the University of Strathclyde where she completed a double major program in English and history. She holds a J.D. degree with honors from Case Western Reserve University