Unilever has appointed Abhinav Ravikumar as Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) – Personal Care India, as the company sharpens its focus on brand-led growth and digital-first engagement in one of the world’s most dynamic personal care markets.
Ravikumar, who steps into the role effective January 2026, brings more than 13 years of experience at Hindustan Unilever Limited (HUL), having held a range of strategic roles spanning brand management, digital commerce, and global marketing.
Before his elevation to CMO, Ravikumar served as Global Brand Director for Lux and Lifebuoy, two of Unilever’s most iconic personal care brands, where he oversaw long-term strategy, innovation, and communication across South Asia and beyond.
His career at Unilever began in 2011 with a sales and marketing internship, during which he worked on category strategy across international markets, including Asia, Africa, the Middle East, Russia and Turkey. This early global exposure helped shape his deep understanding of consumer dynamics and large-scale brand execution.
Ravikumar later served as General Manager, eCommerce and Prestige Retail India, where he led cross-functional teams in scaling digital commerce growth and modern trade presence, a capability increasingly critical as consumer shopping behaviour continues to shift online.
In his new role, Ravikumar will lead the marketing strategy for HUL’s expansive personal care portfolio in India, which includes well-loved brands across skincare, hygiene, and grooming.
Sharing the update on LinkedIn, Ravikumar said he was “excited to start a new chapter.”
Ravikumar’s elevation underscores Unilever’s commitment to nurturing leadership from within while navigating a market defined by premiumisation, digital adoption and evolving consumer preferences.
