Unilever COO Harish Manwani to retire on Dec 31 after 38 yrs with co
MUMBAI: Consumer goods giant Unilever’s India-born chief operating officer Harish Manwani will retire on December 31, 2014 after a 38 year stint with the company.
Manwani will, however, continue as non -executive chairman of the Anglo- Dutch company’s Indian-arm Hindustan Unilever (HUL).
“Harish is an inspirational leader and leaves a remarkable legacy. Over the last three years, especially as chief operating officer, Harish has been instrumental in the transformation of the company. Under his leadership we have seen a step-change in our go-tomarket organisation and there has been a relentless focus on flawless execution globally,” said Paul Polman, CEO, Unilever.
Manwani had joined HUL as a management trainee in 1976 and was inducted on the HUL board of directors in 1995. He has also had stints as senior vice-president global hair care and oral care; president, home and personal care, first of Latin America and then North America.
“Today, Unilever is in a strong position with a clear strategy and capabilities to drive long-term responsible growth. This makes it a good time for me to make this personal transition.
I look forward to working with Paul and the leadership team over the coming months to ensure a smooth transition and to further build our growth agenda,” Manwani said.