Jawa's new job: How to make HUL bigger

Hindustan Unilever Ltd (HUL) is all set to pass the reins to Rohit Jawa, who will take over as the managing director (MD) and chief executive officer (CEO) with effect from 27 June. Jawa will succeed Sanjiv Mehta, who is due to retire after heading the company for a decade.

- Vineetha Sampath & Pallavi Pengonda

HUL's performance under the leadership of Mehta has been notable. As the chart alongside shows, the fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) company's earnings per share is set to grow by 11% on a 10-year compound annual growth rate (CAGR) basis. This is ahead of many FMCG peers. HUL now accounts for a third of Unilever Plc's market capitalization versus less than 10% a decade ago, said analysts at Jefferies India.

Against this backdrop, it helps that Jawa comes with rich experience across Asian consumer markets in his career of about 35 years. He has served as chairman for Unilever China and Philippines. During his stint, revenues at Unilever China grew at a CAGR of 9% over 2017-2021, compared to 5% in the previous five years.

"We believe this change of guard will provide HUL an enhanced boost versus peers, given both countries (China and the Philippines) under Mr Jawa have not only undergone a consumer evolution ahead of India, but also experienced transformation leading to these companies growing faster," said Nomura Financial Advisory and Securities (India) analysts in a 13 March report.