A subsidiary of Unilever, Hindustan Unilever Limited (HUL) is India’s largest fast-moving consumer goods company. HUL, which is headquartered in Mumbai, has a wide portfolio of over 50 brands, employs more than 19,000 people, and works with 3,500+ distributors across the country. The company is highly rated for ESG in India, ranking among the top 10% globally in the sector.
Vinita Nair is this year’s Champion of Change Overall Winner for Asia Pacific. This category recognises individuals who demonstrate a real commitment to challenging the status quo, breaking down barriers and changing their organisations from within.
A strong advocate for diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI), Vinita is committed to fostering a diverse culture where diverse perspectives are not just welcomed, but celebrated. This inclusive approach has led to a more cohesive team, driving the organisation towards greater success.
Shikha Gupta, Senior Tax Advisor and former Tax Director at HUL, describes Vinita as a “standout leader” whose dedication and drive set her on a path for continued success. “She is a true role model, always raising the bar for herself and her team.”
Professional achievements
Vinita has had a remarkable and inspiring career spanning 15 years and she currently Heads Treasury, Insurance, and Mergers & Acquisitions at Hindustan Unilever Limited (HUL), India’s largest FMCG company. The company is committed to fostering an inclusive culture with clear diversity and inclusion targets – and Vinita has been at the forefront of this initiative, creating an environment in which everyone feels valued, regardless of their background.
For example, Vinita played a crucial role in leading the GSK integration for HUL finance – a task which involved welcoming over 100 finance employees into the organisation. During this exercise, Vinita made a concerted effort to connect with each individual on a personal level, ensuring they felt included in the transition.
Her other professional achievements include leading the treasury team to achieve a record investment yield of 7.6% in 2024, generating an additional 55 basis points above existing returns by introducing new investment instruments. She also pioneered a first-of-its kind cross-border supply chain finance programme, as well as optimising and digitising the forex process.
Where M&A is concerned, Vinita successfully led a deal to sell HUL’s water purification business to A.O. Smith, and spearheaded the execution of the ice cream business separation in 2024. She also led the acquisition of beauty brand Minimalist – HUL’s largest deal in recent times, and the biggest in the direct-to-consumer space in India.
Speaking about the leadership and acumen that Vinita displayed while working on the Minimalist acquisition, Harman Dhillon, Executive Director, Beauty & Wellbeing at HUL describes Vinita as a “true visionary leader whose ambition is matched by her dedication to delivering impactful results with empathy and compassion. She has set a powerful example for future women leaders.”
“I am deeply honoured to be recognised as the Champion of Change APAC. This award is a testament to the resilience, determination and unwavering commitment that have shaped my journey. Winning this award is not just a personal achievement but a celebration of the collective efforts of my team and mentors, to whom I am incredibly grateful for their unwavering support and guidance. This recognition inspires me to continue advocating for diversity, equity and inclusion, ensuring that everyone has a fair opportunity to succeed. A big thank you to everyone who has been part of my journey.”
Breaking ground
Vinita’s journey to success has been marked by resilience and determination. As one of the first women in her family to enter the corporate world, she has faced numerous challenges, including supporting her family financially from a very young age. Alongside this responsibility, she now navigates the demands of a highly challenging role while caring for her three-year-old daughter.
Vinita broke new ground as the first woman leader to be posted in a front-end sales partnering role in the he Hindi heartland of India, covering challenging markets such as Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Haryana, Jammu and Kashmir. Despite the obstacles she faced, Vinita navigated these challenges with determination and resilience, demonstrating an ability to adapt to diverse and demanding environments.
During her tenure leading CSR and ESG reporting for HUL, Vinita launched and supported various initiatives aimed at empowering women at the grassroots level. Through programmes like Shakti, Prabhat, and Suvidha, she played a pivotal role in creating opportunities for women to enhance their livelihoods and improve their quality of life.
Today, Vinita leads HUL’s finance management trainee programme, FinAce, acting as a liaison between trainees and senior management. In this role, Vinita has enhanced the selection process with finance simulation case rounds and has significant raised the programme’s standards. Her efforts have also resulted in a 21% increase in applications for the programme, which attracts over 3,600 applicants.
Instrument of change
Mukti Hariharan, CFO Coca-Cola, India and South West Asia, describes Vinita as a leader who champions inclusivity, fostering collaboration and mentoring talent. “Her leadership has not only delivered financial success but also inspired a positive cultural shift within her team,” she adds.
As a leader, Vinita holds the values of integrity, determination and resilience in the highest regard. “I believe that success is achieved through hard work and unwavering commitment to one’s goals,” she says. “My journey has been shaped by these principles, and I strive to inspire others to embrace them as well.”
Vinita explains that fairness and creating equal opportunities are at the core of her leadership approach. “I am dedicated to being an instrument of change, ensuring that doors are opened for the less fortunate and that everyone has a chance to succeed,” she concludes. “Together, we can build a more inclusive and equitable future.”
Vinita’s story is a powerful reminder that balancing priorities is not only possible but can also be a source of strength and fulfilment. Her journey serves as an inspiration to many, showcasing the importance of resilience, determination, and the unwavering belief in one’s ability to make a difference.
Treasury Today Group’s Within Awards celebrate exceptional talent and dedicated individuals changing their corporations from within. To find out more please visit treasurytoday.com/women-in-treasury/awards/
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