Schumacher defended his approach and record as CEO and said he regretted leaving Unilever earlier than anticipated.

LONDON — Unilever has named its current chief financial officer Fernando Fernandez as its chief executive officer. Fernandez is replacing Hein Schumacher, who is stepping down on March 1.

Hein Schumacher is stepping down from his role as Unilever CEO and as a board director after less than two years on the job. Schumacher will leave the company on May 31. Fernando Fernandez, who currently serves as Unilever's chief financial officer and executive director,