The Dutch executive, who joined Unilever as CEO in January 2009, has pledged to save 6 billion euros ($7.2 billion) in a cost-cutting drive after rebuffing an unsolicited takeover bid from Kraft Heinz, known for its frugality, in February. Earlier this month, Unilever's board hired headhunting firm Egon Zehnder to cement its succession planning for Polman's eventual departure, which is expected to be in about 18 months, according to a person familiar with the situation.