Rajneet Kohli Joins HUL as Executive Director, Foods

Hindustan Unilever Limited (HUL) appointed Rajneet Kohli as executive director, foods, on Wednesday after he resigned from Britannia Industries. He will replace Shiva Krishnamurthy, who decided to leave the company to pursue an external opportunity in a different industry.

Starting April 7, Kohli will officially join HUL’s management committee and begin overseeing the company’s growing food and beverage division. Earlier, he stepped down from his role at Britannia on March 14 after announcing his resignation on March 6.

HUL’s Food and Refreshment Division Gains Importance

Following the separation of its beauty and personal care division last year, HUL’s food and refreshment segment became its second-largest business. According to a company presentation in November, this division earned ₹15,292 crore in revenue during fiscal 2023–24. As a result, it contributed 25% of HUL’s ₹59,579 crore turnover, significantly increasing from 17% ten years ago.

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Krishnamurthy took over as executive director of HUL’s food and beverage business in February 2023 but has now decided to move on. Mint could not confirm his next career move.

HUL’s CEO Expresses Confidence in Kohli

HUL’s CEO and Managing Director, Rohit Jawa, praised Krishnamurthy’s leadership, highlighting his contributions in making HUL a market leader in tea. He also credited him for launching impactful marketing campaigns and expanding the portfolio into high-growth categories.

Speaking about Kohli’s appointment, Jawa expressed confidence in his leadership, emphasizing his experience in managing large food and beverage businesses. He believes Kohli will drive HUL’s food business into its next phase of expansion and transformation.

HUL’s Food Portfolio and Future Plans

HUL owns popular food brands such as Lipton, Horlicks, Knorr, Bru, Brooke Bond, Kissan, and Hellmann’s. Additionally, its home care business includes well-known brands like Wheel and Surf Excel.

In fiscal year 2024, HUL managed Kwality Wall’s ice cream business but later spun it off. The company now plans to launch it as an independent entity, Kwality Wall’s (India) Ltd., through a public listing.