Hindustan Unilever has announced changes and appointments to its management committee in the beauty and personal care (BPC) division.
According to a statement, the changes reinforce the digital agenda to make HUL more future ready.
Among the changes, Arun Neelakantan, vice president - digital transformation and growth, has been appointed chief digital officer. Neelakanthan also joins the managing commitee.
Other changes see Madhusudhan Rao, executive director, beauty and wellbeing, personal care, retiring from the company.
His role is filled in by Harman Dhillon, who joins the managing committee as executive director, beauty and wellbeing, and Kartik Chandrasekhar. Chandrasekhar will join the managing committee as executive director, personal care.
Dhillon joined the company in 2006, and is currently skin care head - India. Chandrasekhar is currently global vice president and head - oral care and skin cleansing for D&E markets. He joined HUL in 1998.
All the roles are effective 1 April 2024.
Rohit Jawa, CEO and managing director, HUL, said, “HUL has a track record of strong performance. As we embark on our next phase of growth and transformation, we will combine our scale and discipline with innovation and agility to serve our consumers even better and build a future-fit business. 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.”
He added, “As a company we need to stay ahead of the trends, build new capabilities, and leverage technology to be future ready. I am confident that Arun will help the company leverage the digital infrastructure in India and accelerate the next phase of HUL’s transformation programme. Madhu has had an exemplary 32-year-long career with Unilever, with a proven track record across many geographies and businesses. He leaves behind a rich legacy, and I would like to thank him for his immense contribution and wish him the very best for his next innings.”