In a significant leadership shuffle, Hindustan Unilever (HUL), one of India’s foremost FMCG giants, has announced the appointment of Vipul Mathur as the new Executive Director for its Personal Care division, effective from June 1, 2024. Mathur, who is currently the Head of Growth & Transformation for South Asia at Unilever, will be stepping into the shoes of Madhusudhan Rao, marking a pivotal transition in the company’s management structure.
Career and Achievements of Vipul Mathur
Vipul Mathur’s journey with HUL began in 2003 when he joined the company as a management trainee after completing his MBA from the prestigious Indian Institute of Management, Calcutta. Over a career that spans nearly two decades, Mathur has demonstrated exceptional leadership and expertise across various sectors within the company, including Customer Development and Marketing, with a focus on Home Care, Personal Care, and Nutrition.
Mathur’s tenure at HUL has been marked by several significant accomplishments, particularly in the Personal Care and Laundry business sectors. From 2012 to 2017, and again in 2020-2021, he led groundbreaking initiatives that propelled the Laundry business to new heights. Among his notable achievements is the leadership of the mobile and rural marketing strategies for Wheel, one of HUL’s leading brands. He also played a crucial role in launching the Cannes-winning Kan Khajura Teshan (KKT), India’s first mobile-based radio platform offering branded content from 10 Unilever brands, which revolutionized marketing approaches within the rural demographics.
As Category Head, Mathur spearheaded the portfolio transformation program and significantly expanded the Liquids business. His strategic insights were also instrumental in his role as part of the Global Tea Leadership team, where he collaborated with teams across Indonesia, UAE, the UK, Ireland, and Australia, alongside South Asia.
Leadership and Vision
Mathur’s appointment comes at a time when HUL is seeking to amplify its presence and innovation in the Personal Care sector. Rohit Jawa, CEO and Managing Director of HUL, commented on the appointment, stating, “Vipul is an accomplished marketer and a business leader known for his collaborative leadership style. He has been instrumental in shaping the long-term business strategy for HUL. I am confident that in his new role, he will effectively lead the Personal Care business to capitalize on emerging growth opportunities.”
Prior to this new role, Mathur served as Vice President for Modern Trade and eCommerce, where he was pivotal in strengthening HUL’s omnichannel strategy and driving the portfolio transformation in high-growth emerging channels. His efforts have consistently aligned with HUL’s objectives to adapt and thrive in a rapidly changing market environment.
Industry Impact and Future Directions
The Personal Care industry, particularly within emerging markets like India, has seen dynamic shifts and expanding opportunities. Under Mathur’s leadership, HUL is expected to innovate and adapt to the evolving consumer demands, enhancing its product offerings and integrating sustainable practices more profoundly into its business operations.
With the backdrop of digital transformation and a heightened focus on health and wellness accelerated by the pandemic, HUL’s strategic positioning in the Personal Care sector under Mathur’s stewardship is anticipated to set new benchmarks for the industry.
Conclusion
Vipul Mathur’s elevation to the role of Executive Director, Personal Care at Hindustan Unilever marks a significant chapter in the company’s journey. With a proven track record and a clear vision for the future, Mathur is set to navigate HUL through the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead, further cementing its position as a leader in the fast-moving consumer goods sector in India and beyond. This strategic leadership appointment is poised to not only influence HUL’s growth trajectories but also shape industry trends in the coming years.
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