HUL makes leadership changes with focus on beauty and personal care, digital transformation

While the BPC segment continues to be a source of value creation, the business model, innovation rhythm and competitive landscape for both are diverging, HUL said

Hindustan Unilever Limited (HUL) has announced strategic changes in its Management Committee (MC), aiming to enhance focus on the Beauty and Personal Care (BPC) division and boost its digital agenda for future readiness.

Effective April 1, 2024, the Beauty and Personal Care division will transition into dedicated Beauty & Wellbeing (B&W) and Personal Care (PC) businesses, HUL said in a press release.

Madhusudhan Rao, Executive Director of B&W and PC, has decided to retire, and in his stead, Harman Dhillon and Kartik Chandrasekhar will join the HUL MC as Executive Directors for Beauty & Wellbeing and Personal Care, respectively, from April 1, 2024.

Harman Dhillon, currently India Skin Care Head, brings 17 years of experience at HUL. She has a profound understanding of Beauty & Wellbeing, having led the TRESemmé business globally and launched iconic haircare brands like Dove Hair and TRESemmé in India. Kartik Chandrasekhar, the Global Vice President and Head of Oral Care & Skin Cleansing for D&E markets, is a seasoned HUL veteran since 1998. Kartik's extensive marketing career includes leading Lifebuoy to become the world's No. 1 hygiene brand, according to the press release.

"BPC continues to be a source of value creation for us. However, the business model, innovation rhythm and competitive landscape for both, B&W and PC are diverging. The transition will allow us to bring more focus and leverage our strong portfolio in both businesses. I am glad to have seasoned business leaders like Harman and Kartik to lead B&W and PC, respectively.” said Rohit Jawa, CEO and Managing Director of HUL.

To drive growth through the digital ecosystem, Arun Neelakantan will join as Chief Digital Officer (CDO), effective January 1, 2024. Currently, the Vice President of Digital Transformation & Growth, Arun has played a vital role in accelerating HUL's journey towards becoming an intelligent enterprise.

Commenting on Arun's appointment, Jawa emphasized the importance of staying ahead of trends and leveraging technology for future readiness, expressing confidence in Arun's ability to drive the next phase of HUL's transformation program.

Rohit Jawa also extended gratitude to Madhusudhan Rao for his exceptional 32-year career with Unilever, acknowledging his significant contribution and wishing him success in his future endeavors.