Unilever has appointed Abhinav Ravikumar as Chief Marketing Officer, Personal Care India, based in Mumbai. Previously Global Brand Director for Lux and Lifebuoy and General Manager, eCommerce India, Ravikumar spearheaded digital transformation and growth initiatives at Hindustan Unilever. His elevation underscores Unilever’s focus on brand building and portfolio expansion in personal care.
In a significant leadership move that underscores Unilever’s commitment to strengthening its personal care portfolio in India, the company has announced the elevation of Abhinav Ravikumar as Chief Marketing Officer, Personal Care India. Based in Mumbai, Ravikumar’s appointment comes at a pivotal time for Unilever, as the personal care segment continues to evolve rapidly in response to shifting consumer preferences, digital disruption, and heightened competition across categories. His new role places him at the helm of one of the most dynamic divisions within Hindustan Unilever Limited (HUL), where brand building, innovation, and consumer engagement are critical to sustaining growth momentum.
Ravikumar’s journey within Unilever has been marked by a series of impactful leadership roles that have consistently demonstrated his ability to drive growth, reimagine processes, and deliver results across diverse markets and platforms. Before his elevation, he served as Global Brand Director for Lux and Lifebuoy, two of Unilever’s most iconic brands with deep legacies in personal care. In that capacity, he was responsible for steering brand strategy, innovation pipelines, and global campaigns that reinforced the relevance of these heritage brands in contemporary consumer contexts. Lux, with its glamorous positioning, and Lifebuoy, with its health and hygiene focus, both demanded nuanced leadership to balance tradition with modernity, and Ravikumar’s stewardship ensured that they remained competitive and resonant across geographies.
His earlier tenure as General Manager, eCommerce India (Head, eCommerce) at HUL further highlights his versatility and forward-looking approach. At a time when digital commerce was reshaping consumer behavior, Ravikumar led HUL’s eCommerce and Prestige Retail business, driving growth, market share, and profitability across multiple platforms. His leadership spanned marketplaces, quick commerce, beauty platforms, and e-grocery, reflecting a comprehensive understanding of the digital ecosystem and its implications for consumer goods. Under his guidance, HUL not only expanded its footprint in online channels but also strengthened its ability to compete in a fast-changing retail landscape where agility and innovation were paramount.
One of Ravikumar’s most notable contributions during this phase was his role in reimagining HUL’s internal processes and digital backbone. Recognizing that sustainable success in eCommerce required more than just presence on platforms, he championed initiatives that enhanced operational efficiency and consumer experience. Predictive online availability systems ensured that products were accessible to consumers when and where they needed them, reducing friction and improving satisfaction. Content quality scorecards elevated the standard of digital engagement, ensuring that brand communication was consistent, compelling, and optimized for diverse audiences. Automation-led promo optimization streamlined promotional strategies, enabling HUL to balance competitiveness with profitability in an environment where discounts and offers often dictate consumer choice. These initiatives not only delivered immediate results but also laid the foundation for long-term resilience in the digital domain.
Ravikumar’s elevation to Chief Marketing Officer, Personal Care India, therefore, represents a natural progression in a career defined by impact and innovation. His deep understanding of brand dynamics, coupled with his expertise in digital transformation, positions him uniquely to lead Unilever’s personal care portfolio in India. The segment itself is one of the most competitive in the fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) industry, encompassing categories such as skincare, haircare, hygiene, and beauty. With rising disposable incomes, increasing urbanization, and growing awareness of personal grooming, the Indian market offers immense opportunities but also demands sharp differentiation and consumer-centric strategies.
As CMO, Ravikumar will be tasked with strengthening Unilever’s leadership in this space by driving brand building initiatives that resonate with diverse consumer segments. His experience with Lux and Lifebuoy equips him to balance heritage with innovation, ensuring that established brands continue to thrive while new offerings capture emerging trends. Moreover, his digital acumen will be critical in navigating the hybrid retail environment where online and offline channels intersect, and where consumer journeys are increasingly fragmented yet interconnected.
Industry observers note that Unilever’s decision to elevate Ravikumar reflects not only recognition of his past contributions but also confidence in his ability to shape the future of personal care in India. The company has consistently emphasized the importance of leadership in driving growth, and Ravikumar’s appointment is aligned with its broader strategy of investing in talent that can deliver both immediate impact and long-term vision. His track record of combining strategic insight with operational execution makes him well-suited to lead in a category where consumer expectations are evolving rapidly and where agility is essential.
The timing of his elevation is also significant. The personal care industry in India is witnessing a surge in demand for products that cater to wellness, sustainability, and inclusivity. Consumers are increasingly seeking brands that align with their values, whether in terms of environmental responsibility, ethical sourcing, or representation. Unilever, with its global commitment to sustainability and social impact, is well-positioned to respond to these trends, and Ravikumar’s leadership will be instrumental in translating these commitments into consumer-facing strategies that build trust and loyalty.
Furthermore, the rise of digital-first brands and direct-to-consumer models has intensified competition, making it imperative for established players like Unilever to innovate continuously. Ravikumar’s experience in eCommerce and digital transformation provides him with the tools to not only defend market share but also to explore new avenues of growth. His ability to integrate technology with brand strategy will likely be a key differentiator in ensuring that Unilever remains ahead of the curve in engaging consumers meaningfully across platforms.
Colleagues and industry peers describe Ravikumar as a leader who combines vision with pragmatism, and creativity with discipline. His approach to brand building is rooted in understanding consumer aspirations while leveraging data and technology to deliver measurable outcomes. This blend of qualities is particularly relevant in the personal care segment, where emotional resonance and functional efficacy must coexist seamlessly.
As he takes on his new role, Ravikumar faces the challenge of sustaining Unilever’s leadership in a market that is both promising and demanding. The task will involve not only strengthening existing brands but also identifying opportunities for innovation, whether through new product development, partnerships, or digital engagement. His ability to inspire teams, foster collaboration, and drive execution will be critical in translating strategy into success.
In many ways, Ravikumar’s elevation symbolizes the evolving nature of leadership in the FMCG industry. It reflects the growing importance of digital fluency, consumer-centricity, and sustainability in defining success. It also underscores the role of leaders who can bridge global perspectives with local insights, ensuring that strategies are both ambitious and relevant. For Unilever, his appointment is a reaffirmation of its commitment to nurturing talent that can deliver growth while staying true to its values.
As the personal care industry in India continues to expand, the spotlight will be on leaders like Ravikumar to shape its trajectory. His journey from leading global brands to driving digital transformation, and now to steering the personal care portfolio, illustrates the diverse capabilities required to succeed in this space. With his elevation, Unilever has signaled its intent to not only strengthen its leadership but also to embrace the future with confidence and clarity.
In the months and years ahead, Ravikumar’s role as Chief Marketing Officer, Personal Care India, will be closely watched by industry stakeholders, competitors, and consumers alike. His ability to balance tradition with innovation, and strategy with execution, will determine not just the success of Unilever’s personal care brands but also the broader narrative of how FMCG companies adapt to a changing world. For now, his appointment stands as a testament to the power of leadership in shaping growth, and to Unilever’s vision of building brands that matter in the lives of millions.
Discover more from Creative Brands
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
