Unilever, the Anglo Dutch consumer products group behind such brands as Dove soap and Hellman's mayonnaise, has soared to the top of the pile after announcing a new chief executive.
The company's shares were up over 6% at £15.87, helping the FTSE 100 post a gain of 20 points to 5520.
Paul Polman, who missed out on the top job at rival food group Nestle last year, will take over as boss of Unilever at the end of the year, replacing Patrick Cescau.
Analysts at FinnCap welcomed the news.
They said: "The retirement of Patrick Cescau at the end of 2008 will not
surprise the market. His announced successor, Paul Polman, looks to
have good credentials for his new role.
