HUL’s CFO Spotlight Shifts to Niranjan Gupta — Steering Finance with Vision and Flair

In a notable development within the Indian FMCG sector, Hindustan Unilever Limited (HUL) has announced the appointment of Niranjan Gupta as Chief Financial Officer (CFO)-Designate, effective September 1, 2025. This strategic leadership change signifies a smooth transition as Gupta prepares to officially take on the CFO mantle from November 1, 2025, succeeding Ritesh Tiwari, who will move to Unilever PLC's global headquarters in London. The news marks a pivotal moment for HUL, reflecting both continuity and renewal in its senior management ranks as it navigates an evolving business landscape.

 

Key Highlights of the Announcement:

About Niranjan Gupta:

Niranjan Gupta is a seasoned leader with deep roots in the FMCG sector, beginning his career at HUL and rising through diverse positions over two decades. After leaving HUL, he expanded his leadership credentials in other industries, notably spending three years at Vedanta Ltd before moving to Hero MotoCorp. At Hero MotoCorp, he served as CFO from 2017 and was promoted to CEO in 2023, where he played a critical role in crafting strategic partnerships, including a remarkable collaboration with Harley Davidson, and in driving long-term financial health and growth strategies. His multi-sector experience encompassing finance, mergers and acquisitions, supply chain, and strategic roles positions him well to lead HUL’s financial strategy.

 

Role and Responsibilities at HUL:

As CFO-Designate transitioning to CFO and Executive Director, Finance, Niranjan Gupta will:

Outgoing CFO Ritesh Tiwari’s Contributions and Next Role:

Ritesh Tiwari, who has served as HUL’s CFO since 2021, is praised for his stewardship during the challenging pandemic period. He successfully sustained growth, protected HUL’s financial model, and led several key acquisitions, disposals, and partnerships. Notably, he managed the complex demerger of HUL’s ice cream business into Kwality Walls (India) Limited, facilitating the latter’s path toward independent listing pending regulatory approvals. His transition to Unilever PLC as Global Head of M&A and Treasury, to be based in London, reflects his accomplished leadership and Unilever’s confidence in HUL’s leadership pipeline.

 

Management Commentary:

HUL’s CEO and Managing Director, Priya Nair, expressed appreciation for both leaders' significant contributions and confidence in the strategic leadership handover:

 

She thanked Ritesh Tiwari for his forward-looking leadership and transformation efforts that enabled strong market share gains.

 

She warmly welcomed Niranjan Gupta back to HUL, highlighting his rich experience and anticipation that he will be pivotal in driving the company’s next phase of growth.

 

Market Context and Implications:

This leadership change comes at a time when HUL continues to assert its position as a market leader in India’s FMCG space, facing dynamic consumer trends, regulatory shifts, and sustainability goals. Niranjan Gupta’s appointment is seen as strategically aligned with these challenges, ushering in a leader with proven expertise in complex transformations and strategic partnerships across sectors. The seamless CFO transition aims to reassure investors and stakeholders about continuity in financial stewardship and growth momentum.

 

Source: Business Standard, The Hindu Business Line, and Upstox Market News.

 

Source: Business Standard, The Hindu Business Line, and Upstox Market News.In a notable development within the Indian FMCG sector, Hindustan Unilever Limited (HUL) has announced the appointment of Niranjan Gupta as Chief Financial Officer (CFO)-Designate, effective September 1, 2025. This strategic leadership change signifies a smooth transition as Gupta prepares to officially take on the CFO mantle from November 1, 2025, succeeding Ritesh Tiwari, who will move to Unilever PLC's global headquarters in London. The news marks a pivotal moment for HUL, reflecting both continuity and renewal in its senior management ranks as it navigates an evolving business landscape.

 

Key Highlights of the Announcement:

 

Niranjan Gupta will join HUL as CFO-Designate from September 1, 2025, with full CFO responsibilities commencing November 1, 2025.

 

He is slated to become a member of the HUL Board, subject to necessary shareholder approvals.

 

Ritesh Tiwari, the current CFO, will transition to the role of Global Head of Mergers & Acquisitions (M&A) and Treasury at Unilever PLC in London starting November 1, 2025.

 

Gupta brings a wealth of experience, having spent 20 years at HUL in various leadership roles and most recently serving as CEO of Hero MotoCorp.

 

This appointment is part of broader leadership planning that underlines HUL’s growth-focused agenda and succession strategy.

 

About Niranjan Gupta:

Niranjan Gupta is a seasoned leader with deep roots in the FMCG sector, beginning his career at HUL and rising through diverse positions over two decades. After leaving HUL, he expanded his leadership credentials in other industries, notably spending three years at Vedanta Ltd before moving to Hero MotoCorp. At Hero MotoCorp, he served as CFO from 2017 and was promoted to CEO in 2023, where he played a critical role in crafting strategic partnerships, including a remarkable collaboration with Harley Davidson, and in driving long-term financial health and growth strategies. His multi-sector experience encompassing finance, mergers and acquisitions, supply chain, and strategic roles positions him well to lead HUL’s financial strategy.

 

Role and Responsibilities at HUL:

As CFO-Designate transitioning to CFO and Executive Director, Finance, Niranjan Gupta will:

 

Oversee HUL’s financial planning, performance, and risk management amid a rapidly changing FMCG environment.

 

Guide capital allocation and investment decisions supporting innovation and growth initiatives.

 

Play a key leadership role on the HUL Board, contributing to corporate governance and strategic decision-making.

 

Continue efforts in portfolio transformation and resource alignment to sustains market leadership.

 

Collaborate closely with CEO & MD Priya Nair to steer the company through current and future business challenges.

 

Outgoing CFO Ritesh Tiwari’s Contributions and Next Role:

Ritesh Tiwari, who has served as HUL’s CFO since 2021, is praised for his stewardship during the challenging pandemic period. He successfully sustained growth, protected HUL’s financial model, and led several key acquisitions, disposals, and partnerships. Notably, he managed the complex demerger of HUL’s ice cream business into Kwality Walls (India) Limited, facilitating the latter’s path toward independent listing pending regulatory approvals. His transition to Unilever PLC as Global Head of M&A and Treasury, to be based in London, reflects his accomplished leadership and Unilever’s confidence in HUL’s leadership pipeline.

 

Management Commentary:

HUL’s CEO and Managing Director, Priya Nair, expressed appreciation for both leaders' significant contributions and confidence in the strategic leadership handover:

 

She thanked Ritesh Tiwari for his forward-looking leadership and transformation efforts that enabled strong market share gains.

 

She warmly welcomed Niranjan Gupta back to HUL, highlighting his rich experience and anticipation that he will be pivotal in driving the company’s next phase of growth.

 

Market Context and Implications:

This leadership change comes at a time when HUL continues to assert its position as a market leader in India’s FMCG space, facing dynamic consumer trends, regulatory shifts, and sustainability goals. Niranjan Gupta’s appointment is seen as strategically aligned with these challenges, ushering in a leader with proven expertise in complex transformations and strategic partnerships across sectors. The seamless CFO transition aims to reassure investors and stakeholders about continuity in financial stewardship and growth momentum.

 

Source: Business Standard, The Hindu Business Line, and Upstox Market News.