Hindustan Unilever Is On An Aggressive Digital Transformation, Says Chairman Sanjiv Mehta

Consumer goods maker Hindustan Unilever Ltd. has created a full-fledged end-to-end digital transformation programme that will redefine the ways of working going forward.

At present, over 80 experiments are underway to accelerate the company's journey on digital transformation, HUL told the shareholders on Saturday. The company has set up a digital council comprising a cross-functional team of leaders, for its 'Reimagining HUL' campaign.

“We will continue to leverage Unilever Plc's global knowledge and our deep local understanding to serve our consumers better be it through path-breaking innovations or our expertise in new channels," HUL’s Chairman and Managing Director Sanjiv Mehta said at the company’s 86th annual general meeting.

On the FMCG sector, Mehta said faster economic growth and technological changes provide an exciting future for the industry.

"Despite being one of the fastest growing markets globally for FMCG products in recent times, the per capita FMCG consumption spend in our country is still amongst the lowest in the world, giving the sector a long runway for growth,” he said. "Key factors like rising affluence, changing family structures, emerging new large cities and a young working population will positively impact the growth of the industry.”

If India can bend the growth curve and deliver a consistent growth rate of 9 percent and above, it could transform into a $10 trillion economy by 2032.

On the rapidly evolving technology and its use at workplaces, Mehta said: "Re-skilling of our workforce will become a national priority. Machines will augment human cognition and it will be imperative for companies to optimally leverage human talent and machines at the same time.”

HUL's focus is on reimagining itself from the lens of portfolio, organisation, capabilities and culture. "We are clear that we do not want to simply follow, we will lead the change. At HUL, we are creating a culture that embraces diversity, inclusiveness, and our founders mindset and experimentation,” Mehta said.