HUL names Bobby Parikh, former EY India CEO, as independent director

Hindustan Unilever has appointed Bobby Parikh, the former chief executive of EY India, as an independent director to its board effective 1 December 2025, the company said on Tuesday. The announcement follows a board decision reported by PTI and marks a significant addition to the FMCG major’s governance bench.

HUL said the appointment, which will run for five years, remains subject to shareholder approval. The move adds one of India’s most experienced financial and regulatory advisors to the board at a time when consumer companies are navigating shifting market conditions and evolving compliance requirements.

A Veteran of India’s Professional Services Sector

Parikh brings several decades of experience across tax, audit, advisory and corporate governance. He previously served as CEO of Ernst & Young India and held senior leadership roles at Arthur Andersen, including country managing partner.

He also co-founded BMR Advisors, a prominent consultancy that advised Indian and global businesses on tax strategy and policy matters. PTI reported that Parikh currently serves on the boards of Infosys, Biocon and Indostar Capital, strengthening his profile as a seasoned independent director.

His advisory career has spanned major regulatory transitions in India, giving him exposure to policy reform, compliance frameworks and corporate restructuring — areas of increasing importance for large consumer-facing companies.

Nitin Paranjpe, HUL’s non-executive chairman, said the board welcomed Parikh’s appointment, citing his expertise in “financial strategy and regulatory frameworks”. He added that Parikh had helped organisations manage “complex, transformative business changes” and would bring valuable insights as HUL enters its next phase of growth.

Parikh said he looked forward to working with fellow board members and senior leadership to guide the company through “new opportunities and challenges”.

Parikh’s appointment comes at a moment when companies in the fast-moving consumer goods sector face rising cost pressures, regulatory scrutiny and shifting consumer demand patterns. Industry analysts note that experienced independent directors with strong policy and financial backgrounds are increasingly sought after as boards sharpen oversight and long-term strategy.

For HUL, one of India’s largest consumer goods companies, the addition strengthens its board at a time when governance standards and stakeholder expectations continue to rise.

Once approved by shareholders, Parikh’s five-year term will place him at the centre of HUL’s governance and strategic deliberations through the decade’s second half. His blend of regulatory insight, corporate advisory experience and boardroom exposure is expected to play a significant role as the company adapts to fast-changing market and policy environments.