Hindustan Unilever Limited (HUL) has officially appointed Rajneet Kohli as the new Executive Director of Foods, effective April 7, 2025. This significant leadership change comes as the company prepares to navigate evolving market dynamics and consumer preferences in the highly competitive food sector.

Rajneet Kohli succeeds Shiva Krishnamurthy, who is stepping down to pursue external opportunities. Kohli’s appointment was approved by HUL’s board of directors through a circular resolution on March 26, 2025, following recommendations from the Nomination and Remuneration Committee.

Kohli brings with him over 28 years of experience in the consumer goods and retail sectors, having previously served as the CEO and Executive Director at Britannia Industries. His tenure at Britannia was marked by significant achievements in strengthening the company’s position within the competitive food and bakery segment through product innovation and brand building.

Kohli’s extensive background includes leadership roles at prominent companies such as Jubilant FoodWorks, The Coca-Cola Company, and Asian Paints. His experience in managing large-scale businesses and driving transformation initiatives positions him well to lead HUL’s Foods division during a critical phase of growth.

In his last role at Britannia, Kohli was instrumental in enhancing digital capabilities and driving product innovation, which contributed to the company’s strong market presence. His proven track record of delivering high performance aligns with HUL’s strategic objectives for its Foods business unit.

The Foods segment is a vital part of HUL’s portfolio, offering substantial growth potential in an increasingly health-conscious consumer landscape. With changing dietary preferences and rising demand for healthier products, Kohli’s leadership is expected to steer HUL’s Foods division toward greater market share and innovation.

Rohit Jawa, CEO and Managing Director of HUL, expressed confidence in Kohli’s ability to lead the Foods business into its next phase of growth. He stated, “Food is a large business unit for HUL with strong growth potential. Rajneet brings extensive experience in managing large foods and beverages businesses and driving high performance.”

As Rajneet Kohli steps into his new role, he will be joining HUL’s Management Committee, where he will be responsible for shaping the strategic direction of the Foods division. His leadership will be crucial as HUL continues to adapt to changing market conditions and consumer demands.

In light of his appointment, industry experts anticipate that Kohli will focus on expanding HUL’s product offerings while enhancing brand equity through innovative marketing strategies. The company aims to leverage his expertise to strengthen its position within the competitive food sector further.

Rajneet Kohli’s appointment as Executive Director of Foods at Hindustan Unilever marks a pivotal moment for both him and the company. With his extensive experience and strategic vision, Kohli is well-positioned to lead HUL’s Foods business into a new era of growth and innovation.

Key Highlights:

• Rajneet Kohli appointed as Executive Director of Foods at Hindustan Unilever effective April 7, 2025.
• He succeeds Shiva Krishnamurthy, who is leaving for external opportunities.
• Kohli brings over 28 years of experience from Britannia and other leading firms.
• His leadership is expected to drive growth in HUL’s Foods segment amid changing consumer preferences.