HUL Names FMCG Expert Arun Neelakantan as Executive Director of Customer Development, Effective July 1

Mumbai: Hindustan Unilever Limited (HUL), a major consumer goods company, announced on Thursday that Arun Neelakantan, currently their Chief Digital Officer, will become the Executive Director of Customer Development starting July 1.

Neelakantan, 43, will take over from Kedar Lele, who is leaving for a new opportunity outside the company.

Neelakantan’s Journey

Neelakantan began his journey with HUL in 2006 as a key account manager in modern trade after earning a bachelor’s degree from IIT Madras, a master’s from Penn State University, and an MBA from the Indian School of Business (ISB).

During his time leading the South region, Neelakantan launched many initiatives aimed at improving customer development in India, using in-depth consumer insights and excellent market execution.

Lele, who has been with HUL for over 20 years, played a key role in the company’s move into e-commerce. He was instrumental in expanding HUL’s e-business-to-business app, Shikhar, which now serves over a million retailers across the country, according to CEO Rohit Jawa.

Recent Appointments

HUL has recently added new members to its management team. In May, Vipul Mathur was appointed as Executive Director of Personal Care, effective June 1, 2024, taking over from Madhusudhan Rao.

In April, BP Biddappa, the former Global Chief Human Resource Officer for HUL’s Home Care Business, joined the management committee as Executive Director of Human Resources and Chief People, Transformation and Sustainability Officer, succeeding Anuradha Razdan, who moved to a global role.

HUL is one of India’s biggest fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) companies, with over 50 brands in 16 FMCG categories. In FY24, HUL reported a turnover of ₹59,579 crore.