ONDC will democratise digi-commerce; e-com is HUL’s fastest growing channel: CEO Rohit Jawa

HUL MD & CEO Rohit Jawa envisions a future where digital initiatives will aid all industries in fostering innovation and efficiency

India’s tech stack has transformed like no other and digitisation has not only democratised the country but will also drive India's growth story, Rohit Jawa, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Hindustan Unilever said in a conversation with CNBC-TV18's Shereen Bhan. The Hindustan Unilever CEO said, “Digitisation has democratised India and I know ONDC is going to democratise digi-commerce.”

Stating that digital has been a big growth driver for India, Jawa said that digital, e-commerce is the fastest-growing category for HUL. "The integration of technology into various sectors has not only streamlined processes but has also unlocked unprecedented opportunities for growth," he said. The HUL CEO envisions a future where digital initiatives will aid all industries in fostering innovation and efficiency.

Highlighting the importance of artificial intelligence (AI) in today's time, he pointed out how AI has helped the company create customised offers by using data analytics and algorithms. Such tailored products have not only increased customer satisfaction but also bolstered brand loyalty, Jawa added.

He explained, “The India tech stack has changed unlike any other country in the world, including China. So, I think what we’re seeing here is pioneering and transformational; it’s changing how we do business and it’s also changing consumers’ aspirations”.

Jawa added that does not matter now where one comes from. “Whether you’re living in a village, or the deep rural east of India, or you’re in a city like Mumbai, you are consuming the same sort of media, leading to the same type of aspirations. This is creating a lot of demand to upgrade and to aspire.”

However, he said, as a company, it is important to recognise that India is a vast country, with a population of 1.4 billion people, and it is important to be responsible towards all communities and the environment. “We must always start from that place and keep in mind that what we do has to have a positive impact as we grow to a very powerful market and economy in the next decade or so,” he added.

“There’s no better company than HUL to follow it because our mission is what’s good for India is also good for Hindustan Unilever,” Jawa said.