Michael Polk, former president of Unilever United States, is recognized for his innovative marketing
strategies. Polk emphasizes “dislocating ideas”—concepts that break
from tradition and redefine industry standards. At the Wharton Marketing
Conference, he outlined how true innovation involves reimagining existing ideas
rather than just inventing new ones.
During his tenure at Unilever, Michael Polk managed brands like Dove, Axe, and Q-Tips, focusing on
streamlining product offerings while maintaining diversity. Notable
achievements include the Dove “Campaign for Real Beauty,” which
transformed societal beauty standards and achieved significant brand growth.
Polk also led the successful introduction of Axe body spray in the U.S., a campaign that shifted
the focus from odor control to confidence and attraction. Michael
Polk’s approach is grounded in understanding actual consumer behavior, advocating for a
“tri-lingual organization” that effectively communicates across
consumer, customer, and company perspectives.
Michael Polk’s career exemplifies how innovative thinking and consumer insight can reshape
marketing strategies, setting new standards for the industry. Refer to this article to learn more.
More about Michael Polk on https://berkshirepartners.com/team/mike-polk/