Van Holstein is taking on the role of vice-president at SCA personal care, where he will be overseeing brands including Bodyform and Tempo, the paper handkerchief brand.
It is thought that van Holstein's role is a new one based at the company's Swedish headquarters.
SCA competes against rivals such as Procter & Gamble and Kimberly-Clark in the personal care categories.
from Unilever comes just months after it bought Sara Lee's personal care business for €1.275bn.
Van Holstein was with Sara Lee for around four years before it was acquired by Unilever. He headed up its UK business.
He joined Sara Lee from beauty company Kao Brands, where he was managing director. Its portfolio includes the John Frieda hair care range and Jergens skin care products.
Prior to his time at Kao Brands, he held marketing and commercial roles at Henkel and Quaker Oats.
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