Michael B. Polk

 
Educational Background
 

Michael Polk is a recognized leader in the consumer goods industry, with a substantial career that spans various prestigious roles and companies. He holds a Bachelor's degree in Operations Research & Industrial Engineering from Cornell University, completed in 1982, and an MBA focused on Marketing & General Management from Harvard Business School, which he earned in 1987. This strong educational foundation laid the groundwork for his future successes.

 
Early Career at Procter & Gamble
 

Polk's career began at Procter & Gamble, where he worked in manufacturing and research and development in the paper division from 1982 to 1985.

 
Leadership at Kraft Foods
 

He then ventured into brand management and sales at Kraft Foods from 1987 to 2003, ultimately rising to the position of President Biscuit, Snacks & Confections Sector. His tenure at Kraft also included roles as President of the Asia Pacific region and EVP & GM of the Post Cereal business.

 
Significant Roles at Unilever
 

In 2003, Michael joined Unilever, first as the Chief Operating Officer for USA Foods and eventually becoming President of the United States, President of the Americas & Global Customer Development, and President of Global Foods, Home & Personal Care. His time at Unilever spanned until 2011, shaping his expertise in global business operations and consumer products.

 
Leadership at Newell Brands
 

Polk's next significant role was with Newell Brands, where he served as Chief Executive Officer and member of the Board of Directors from 2011 to 2019. He initially joined Newell as a Non-Executive Director in 2009. During his leadership, Polk focused on transforming the company and improving its market standing.

 
Governance and Strategic Contributions
 

Additionally, Polk contributed to the governance and strategic direction of numerous organizations.

• He was a board member at The Yankee Candle Company from 2005 to 2006 and played a significant role at the Retail Industry Leaders Association (RILA) from 2014 to 2018.
• He served on the board of trustees for Morehouse College between 2014 and 2017 and was involved with Enactus, both on the USA Board and the Worldwide Board of Directors, from 2009 to 2015.

 
Recent Roles
 

In more recent years, Polk held significant roles with Logitech, serving on the Board of Directors and as Chairman of the Compensation Committee from 2019 to 2023, and Colgate-Palmolive, where he was a Board Member and Chairman of the People & Organization Committee from 2014 to 2023.

 
Current Positions
 

Today, Michael Polk serves as the Advisory Director of Berkshire Partners and the Chief Executive Officer of Implus LLC, a portfolio company of Berkshire Partners, based in Durham, North Carolina. His rich career is marked by a blend of strategic leadership, expertise in consumer goods, and effective governance across varied business sectors.