Leo Puri has announced his resignation as an Independent Director of Hindustan Unilever Limited (HUL), effective June 30, 2025. His decision is attributed to increasing board commitments, including a proposed appointment to the board of a global entity, and compliance with European Corporate Governance regulations regarding overboarding. Puri also serves as the chairperson and independent director on the board of Fortis Healthcare and as an independent director on the board of Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories.

Puri’s resignation from HUL comes as he faces growing responsibilities on multiple boards. Overboarding, a term referring to holding too many directorships, can lead to inadequate time and attention for each role. European Corporate Governance requirements emphasize the importance of limiting the number of board positions to ensure effective governance. Puri’s proposed appointment to a global entity further necessitates his resignation to comply with these regulations.

Key Roles and Responsibilities

• HUL Roles: Puri will step down as Chairperson of the Risk Management Committee, ESG Committee, and Independent Committee, as well as a member of the Audit Committee.
• Other Directorships: He continues to serve as Chairperson of Fortis Healthcare and holds various committee memberships at Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories.

Puri’s departure from HUL marks a change in the company’s governance structure. His resignation is part of a broader trend where corporate leaders are reassessing their board commitments to ensure compliance with governance standards. HUL will need to identify suitable replacements for the roles Puri held, ensuring continuity in its governance and strategic decision-making processes.

The resignation highlights the challenges faced by corporate leaders in balancing multiple board roles while adhering to governance norms. As HUL moves forward, it will be crucial to maintain its governance standards and find suitable replacements for Puri’s positions. This transition also presents an opportunity for HUL to refresh its board composition and align with evolving corporate governance practices.

Leo Puri’s resignation from HUL reflects the increasing importance of corporate governance standards and the need for directors to manage their commitments effectively. As he steps down to focus on other responsibilities, HUL will need to adapt its governance structure while maintaining its commitment to excellence in leadership and oversight.

Key Highlights:

• Leo Puri has resigned as an Independent Director of Hindustan Unilever Limited, effective June 30, 2025.
• His resignation is due to increasing board commitments, including a proposed appointment to a global entity, and compliance with European Corporate Governance regulations.
• Puri will step down from various committee roles at HUL, including Chairperson of the Risk Management Committee and ESG Committee.
• He continues to serve on the boards of Fortis Healthcare and Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories.