Hindustan Unilever names Arun Neelakantan as executive director of customer development

Fast moving consumer goods business Hindustan Unilever has named Arun Neelakantan as its new executive director of customer development. Neelakantan will step into his new role from July 1 and will succeed Kedar Lele, who is leaving the business to pursue an external opportunity.

“Arun has a proven track record in various roles across the organisation,” said Hindustan Unilever’s CEO and managing director Rohit Jawa, Indian Retailer Bureau reported. “With his deep understanding of the customer development landscape in the country, coupled with his knowledge of channels of the future and expertise in data and technology, I am sure he will help take HUL customer development and sales to greater heights.”
 
Aged 43, Neelakantan is currently working as Hindustan Unilever’s chief digital officer, according to his Linkedin profile. The executive joined the business in 2006 and his qualifications include a Master’s degree from Penn State University, US and an MBA from the Indian School of Business.
 
“Arun after leading and strengthening our citadel region of South India as regional manager was the anchor for our growth initiatives and industry redefining ‘Re-imagine HUL’ agenda,” wrote Hindustan Unilever’s former chair and global executive board member Sanjiv Mehta on Linkedin.