Estée Lauder appoints new global supply chain head

By

Robin Driver

Published
Jan 26, 2021

New York-based beauty company The Estée Lauder Companies has announced the retirement of Gregory Polcer, executive vice president for global supply chain, and revealed that he will be succeeded by Roberto Canevari.

 
Polcer’s retirement is effective July 1, while Canevari will assume the role on May 1, and will work closely with his predecessor over several months so as to ensure a smooth transition.
 
In his new role, Canevari will oversee Estée Lauder’s global supply chain operations, including end-to-end procurement, manufacturing, planning, quality assurance and logistics across all brands, channels and geographies.

His tasks will include strengthening the company’s partnership models with its global suppliers, focusing on safety, sustainability, and responsible sourcing. He will report directly to Estée Lauder president and CEO Fabrizio Freda.
 
The Italian-born executive most recently served as EVP of supply chain, Europe, at Unilever PLC, leading a team of more than 10,000 employees and overseeing 44 factories producing food, home and personal care goods.
 
Prior to this, Canevari spent close to seven years at Burberry, where he worked as chief supply chain officer, transforming the company’s supply chain strategy by developing omnichannel fulfillment and leveraging manufacturing resources. He also played a key role in the implementation of the company’s responsibility and sustainability agenda.
 
Before joining Burberry, the graduate of the Politecnico of Milan held several executive supply chain roles at a number of leading companies, including Carrefour and Nestlé.
 
He is currently a member of the executive advisory board of Gartner Supply Chain, an organization which carries out supply chain research and development, and has held leadership roles at SOS-Logistica, which works to promote sustainability and safety across supply chains.
 
“I am thrilled to welcome Roberto to The Estée Lauder Companies,” commented Freda in a release. “He is a highly respected and talented supply chain expert and global leader who has successfully helmed and transformed the end-to-end supply chain organizations of several global, luxury, and brand-led companies.”
 
Over his time at Estée Lauder, Canevari’s predecessor Polcer made particular progress in adopting responsible sourcing principles at the company, helping to develop its Global Corporate Citizenship and Sustainability function.
 
He also spearheaded the creation of new manufacturing and distribution centers in various key regions.
 
Canevari’s appointment follows that of Dave Smith to the role of senior vice president for new business development, announced earlier this month.