UNILEVER ANZ NAMES KIRSTEN HASLER CHIEF MARKETING OFFICER

Unilever Australia and New Zealand has appointed Kirsten Hasler as chief marketing officer, effective September. Formerly IKEA’s head of marketing and insights, Hasler succeeds Anna Tracey, who held the role temporarily after John McKeon’s move to Malaysia. CEO Nick Bangs praised Hasler’s brand-building expertise and people-centric leadership as vital for Unilever’s evolving consumer strategy.

Unilever Australia and New Zealand has announced the appointment of Kirsten Hasler as chief marketing officer, marking a significant leadership transition in its regional marketing team. Hasler, who previously served as head of marketing and insights at IKEA, will take up the role in September, succeeding Anna Tracey. Tracey had stepped into the position on a short-term basis following John McKeon’s move to country GM in Malaysia earlier this year.  

Nick Bangs, chief executive of Unilever ANZ, welcomed Hasler’s arrival, highlighting her extensive experience in brand-building and her distinctive leadership style. “Kirsten brings a unique combination of deep brand-building experience and a people-centric leadership style, shaped over more than a decade growing one of the world’s most iconic brands,” he said. “What stands out is her ability to build strong, connected teams and foster a culture where creativity and curiosity can thrive. As we continue to evolve how we connect with consumers across ANZ, her perspective and energy will be invaluable and I’m really looking forward to the impact she will have as part of our ANZ leadership team.”  

Bangs also expressed gratitude to Tracey for her contribution to Unilever ANZ over many years, wishing her success in her next career chapter.  

In her new role, Hasler will oversee marketing across Australia and New Zealand, with a mandate to harness creativity to build desire at scale, strengthen brand power, and steward social-first demand creation in a rapidly shifting consumer landscape.  

Reflecting on her appointment, Hasler said she was excited to join another global company with a strong purpose. “From shelving to shampoo, dining to deodorants, I’m so excited and thankful to be joining another iconic global company making a positive change to people’s everyday lives at home,” she noted. “I didn’t think any brand, company or culture could ever come close to IKEA, until I met the team at Unilever. I can’t wait to join and continue the work of John McKeon and Anna Tracey to grow the incredible brands that are part of the Unilever family.”