Unilever appoints Indian origin Srinivas Phatak as its Chief Financial Officer

Published in Business and Finance on Tuesday, September 16th 2025 at 23:33 GMT by Business Today
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Unilever Appoints Indian‑Origin CFO Srinivas Phatak Amid Strategic Focus on Growth and Sustainability

By: [Research Journalist]
Published: September 17, 2025

In a move that underscores its commitment to diversity, innovation, and geographic agility, global consumer goods giant Unilever announced today the appointment of Srinivas Phatak as its new Chief Financial Officer (CFO). Phatak, a seasoned finance executive with a deep-rooted understanding of emerging markets, joins Unilever at a critical juncture as the company seeks to accelerate growth, sharpen cost discipline, and deepen its sustainability agenda.

A Proven Track Record of Financial Leadership

Srinivas Phatak brings over 25 years of experience across some of the world’s leading consumer brands. He earned a Bachelor of Engineering from the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) – Bombay and an MBA from Harvard Business School. After a formative stint at PwC in London, Phatak spent a decade at L’Oréal, culminating in his role as Chief Financial Officer of the Consumer Products Division, where he oversaw €12 billion in revenue and led a €3 billion capital investment program.

In 2022, Phatak joined Unilever as Executive Vice President and CFO of Consumer Foods, steering the segment’s financial strategy through a period of inflationary pressure and supply‑chain volatility. Under his stewardship, the division posted a 4.5 % growth in sales, a 1.2 percentage‑point improvement in operating margin, and delivered €450 million in cash‑flow efficiency. His success has earned him a seat on Unilever’s India Board, where he has championed the launch of “Plant‑Based” and “Clean‑Label” product lines.

Unilever’s Current Landscape

Unilever’s 2024 financial results showcased a resilient business amid challenging macroeconomic conditions. The company recorded €55.5 billion in consolidated revenue, representing a 3.2 % growth from the prior year, while net income rose 5.8 %. The firm’s sustainable living plan, launched in 2018, has driven a 20 % increase in the volume of sustainably sourced products and a 25 % reduction in carbon intensity per unit of sales.

However, the company faces persistent headwinds: rising raw‑material costs, logistical bottlenecks, and a shifting consumer preference toward digital‑first purchasing channels. In response, Unilever’s Board has prioritized digital transformation, cost optimisation, and supply‑chain resilience. The CFO will be pivotal in aligning finance with these strategic imperatives.

Phatak’s Expanded Mandate

Phatak’s mandate will extend beyond traditional finance functions. He will be responsible for:

Area	Focus
Strategic Planning & Forecasting	Integrate long‑term growth objectives with quarterly financial targets.
Capital Allocation	Oversee the 2025–2029 capital budget, prioritise high‑return initiatives, and maintain an optimal debt‑equity mix.
Risk Management	Strengthen financial risk frameworks, particularly in FX hedging and commodity exposure.
Sustainable Finance	Lead ESG‑linked financing initiatives, including green bonds and sustainability‑linked loans.
Digital Finance Transformation	Drive adoption of advanced analytics, AI‑enabled budgeting, and real‑time KPI dashboards across 190+ markets.
Mergers & Acquisitions	Evaluate and execute strategic acquisitions that reinforce Unilever’s growth pipeline.

Phatak will report directly to CEO Hein Schumacher and sit on the Board’s Finance, Risk, and Sustainability Committees. His appointment also aligns with Unilever’s diversity goal of having at least 30 % of senior management roles filled by leaders from non‑Western regions by 2030.

CEO and CFO Statements

In a joint statement, Unilever CEO Hein Schumacher said, “Srinivas is an exceptional leader who brings a blend of financial acumen, operational insight, and a deep appreciation for the nuances of emerging markets. His appointment signals Unilever’s unwavering commitment to driving sustainable growth across all geographies, especially in India where consumer purchasing power is surging.”

Phatak echoed this sentiment: “I am honoured to join Unilever, a company that has redefined the consumer‑goods landscape with a relentless focus on people, planet, and profit. I look forward to collaborating with the finance team to unlock new value while ensuring that our financial stewardship supports our sustainability commitments.”

A Broader Trend: Finance Leadership in Emerging Markets

Phatak’s appointment is part of a growing trend among multinational corporations to elevate finance leaders from emerging markets. The strategy acknowledges that local market expertise enhances risk assessment, consumer insight, and regulatory compliance. According to a 2024 report by the McKinsey Global Institute, CFOs from emerging markets have been instrumental in driving cost efficiencies and innovation in 68 % of the Fortune Global 500 firms that appointed them in the last decade.

Implications for Shareholders and Stakeholders

Investors will be watching how Phatak steers Unilever through its next growth phase. Key metrics of interest include:

Free Cash Flow Generation – the ability to deliver cash that can be reinvested or returned to shareholders.
Return on Invested Capital (ROIC) – a gauge of how effectively capital is used to generate profit.
Sustainability‑Linked Capital Metrics – the extent to which finance is linked to ESG performance, aligning with growing shareholder appetite for responsible investing.

In a recent interview, Unilever’s Chief Sustainability Officer, Anna Khosla, noted that the CFO will spearhead the company’s net‑zero goal by 2039, ensuring that all financial decisions support decarbonisation targets.

Looking Ahead

With Phatak at the helm of finance, Unilever is poised to deepen its digital footprint, refine its cost‑structure, and accelerate its sustainable product pipeline. The CFO’s track record suggests a disciplined approach to capital allocation, paired with an openness to innovative finance solutions such as green bonds, ESG‑linked loans, and impact‑investment funds.

For investors, the appointment is a positive signal that Unilever remains intent on balancing financial performance with its sustainability mandate. For consumers, it reinforces the brand’s commitment to delivering healthier, more sustainable products at scale.

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