-KH News Desk (cbedit@imaws.org)
In a decisive leadership move, Hindustan Unilever Limited (HUL) has appointed Rajneet Kohli, the former CEO and Executive Director of Britannia Industries, as its new Executive Director of Foods, effective April 7, 2025. This strategic hire comes at a pivotal moment for HUL, signaling its intent to revitalize its Foods division with fresh ideas drawn from deep industry know-how.
A Strategic Hire with Proven Expertise
Rajneet Kohli brings over 28 years (some sources suggest nearly 30 years) of extensive experience in the consumer goods, food, and retail sectors. His most recent role at Britannia saw him champion transformative product innovation, fortify brand identity, and accelerate digital capabilities—strengthening the company’s footing in the competitive bakery and dairy landscape.
Beyond Britannia, his leadership trajectory spans marquee names such as Jubilant FoodWorks (Domino’s India), The Coca-Cola Company, and Asian Paints, each shaping his strategic and operational acumen.
A Turning Point for HUL’s Foods Business
HUL’s Foods and Refreshment unit includes marquee brands like Knorr, Brooke Bond, Lipton, Kissan, Horlicks, and Magnum. For FY 2023–24, the segment registered underlying sales growth of around 4%, generating roughly ₹15,292 crore—accounting for about 25% of HUL’s overall ₹60,000 crore revenue.
Despite these solid figures, growth has been modest and HUL is facing a consumer landscape marked by evolving preferences toward healthier, sustainable, and digitally enabled food experiences. Analysts suggest that HUL’s Foods division needs a more dynamic strategic direction to keep pace with industry transformation.
Rajneet Kohli’s appointment reflects HUL’s intent to inject renewed energy into this segment, leveraging his proven track record in innovation, margin management, and digital transformation.
Leadership Transition: Shiva Krishnamurthy to Step Down
The transition also marks a leadership handover from Shiva Krishnamurthy, who led the Foods business until now and is leaving to pursue external opportunities. Under Krishnamurthy’s guidance, HUL strengthened its tea segment, delivered standout marketing campaigns, and expanded into emerging growth areas. His departure opens the door for Kohli to build upon that legacy while introducing a strategic shift tailored to new consumer trends.
An Executive Committee Role with Broader Reach
Effective April 7, 2025, Rajneet Kohli will also become a member of HUL’s Management Committee, placing him at the heart of the company’s strategic decision-making apparatus
His influence will stretch beyond functional leadership—shaping cross-divisional collaboration, portfolio direction, and growth strategy at the board level.
Why This Move Matters Now
- Veteran Insight: Kohli’s leadership at Britannia involved expanding category reach and scaling innovations—skills HUL hopes to replicate in its own Foods segment
- Digital Push: Amid rising demand for tech-driven engagement, Kohli’s digital credentials stand out as an asset for expanding e-commerce and omnichannel strategies.
- Competitive Edge: Gleaning strategic intelligence from a direct competitor positions HUL to sharpen competitive offerings and close strategic gaps.
- Growth Imperative: With Foods constituting a major earnings pillar, reinvigorating the segment is central to HUL’s corporate ambitions moving forward.
Implications for Britannia
For Britannia, losing a seasoned leader like Kohli—who had propelled brand-building and market expansion—may signal an inflection point in its leadership continuity. His departure opens vacancies at the top and may prompt broader organizational shifts as Britannia charts its next chapter.
Expert Voices and Leadership Outlook
HUL CEO & MD Rohit Jawa emphasized the strategic vision behind the appointment, stating: “Foods 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. I am confident that he will lead the Foods business to the next phase of growth and transformation.”
This reflects a clear expectation: Kohli’s mandate is no longer incremental. His leadership is expected to reinvigorate brand relevance and steer HUL to proactively shape the future of food in India.
