“It's easy to be a short-term hero. It is very easy for me to get tremendous results very short term, get that translated into compensation, and be off sailing in the Bahamas. But the goal for this company - and it's very difficult to do - the goal is to follow a four- or five-year process.”

Dutch business executive and author

Paul Polman is a Dutch business executive and author. He is known for his leadership in global business and for writing on business, sustainability, and long-term value. Polman has held senior roles in major international companies, and his public work often focuses on the responsibilities of business beyond short-term profit. As an author and speaker, he is associated with ideas about sustainable growth, corporate purpose, and leadership that looks beyond the immediate quarter.