In the dynamic world of technology and business, few stories are as inspiring as that of Shruti Kashyap, the Chief Information Officer (CIO) of Hindustan Unilever Ltd. (HUL) and Head of IT for South Asia at Unilever. When the Indian FMCG sector grappled with challenges like increasing consumer demand, low consumer spending power, rising health concerns, stringent government regulations, and a highly competitive market environment, Shruti Kashyap adeptly addressed these challenges through strategic digital transformation initiatives. She led the development of the Shikhar app, which enabled retailers to place orders and track stocks during the pandemic, ensuring business continuity. Her leadership in the HUL-GSK merger also showcased her ability to seamlessly integrate complex systems and processes. Shruti has significantly contributed to HUL’s resilience and growth in a challenging market by leveraging technology to enhance operational efficiency and customer engagement.
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The Dawn of an Illustrative Career
Shruti’s formative years in Delhi were characterised by a strong emphasis on education and discipline instilled in her by her parents. Her father, a government servant, and her mother, a professor of economics at Delhi University, played a significant role in shaping her values of hard work and perseverance. Shruti’s academic excellence and her ability to balance studies with extracurricular activities are a testament to the values her parents instilled in her. She completed her schooling at Bal Bharti Public School in Delhi, followed by a BTech from IGIT, Delhi, and an MBA from NITIE, Mumbai.
Shruti’s professional journey began with an internship at Hindustan Unilever Ltd. (HUL), where she was impressed by the company’s legacy, culture, and values. She joined HUL as a management trainee, a role that provided her with a comprehensive understanding of business operations. This experience was pivotal in shaping her career, as it exposed her to various facets of the business and laid the foundation for her future roles.
Climbing the Corporate Ladder
Over the next 15 years, Shruti held various roles across sales technology, digital marketing, IT strategy, business partnering, and IT leadership. Her willingness to take risks and challenge the status quo set her apart. One of her early career milestones was leading the design of marketing strategies for HUL brands using mobile radio channels to create content for vernacular markets. This innovative campaign won the Cannes Gold Lion Award, a first for Unilever in the mobile category.
Overcoming the Hurdles Innovatively
Shruti’s career is marked by her ability to address and overcome significant operational challenges. One of her notable achievements was leading the HUL-GSK merger, India’s largest FMCG merger. This complex integration involved merging two large organisations with different cultures, systems, and processes. Despite the challenges, Shruti’s leadership ensured a smooth transition, demonstrating her strategic acumen and ability to manage large-scale projects.
Another significant challenge was launching the Shikhar app during the pandemic-induced lockdowns. This one-stop shop for retailers enabled them to place orders, track stocks, and access offers and discounts, ensuring business continuity during a critical period. The success of this app underscored Shruti’s ability to leverage technology to solve real-world problems and drive business value.
A Deeper Impact on HUL
As HUL’s CIO, Shruti has had a profound impact on the organisation. She has been instrumental in driving digital transformation and fostering a culture of innovation. Her efforts have improved operational efficiency and enhanced customer engagement and satisfaction. Under her leadership, HUL has implemented several industry-leading platforms, including the Reimagine HUL program, which aims to create a digital-first organisation.
Shruti’s leadership style is characterised by her emphasis on cross-functional collaboration and her ability to inspire and motivate her team. She believes that technology is no longer just a support function but a growth driver for the organisation. Her approach has helped HUL stay ahead of the curve in an increasingly competitive market.
Personal Insights and Leadership Philosophy
Beyond her professional achievements, Shruti is known for her affable personality and ability to add humour to everything she does. She describes herself as a “wannabe superwoman” who balances her demanding career with her roles as a mother, runner, cyclist, and reader. Her leadership philosophy is rooted in the belief that taking risks and learning from every experience is crucial for growth and success. Shruti’s journey powerfully reminds us of the importance of resilience, innovation, and continuous learning. Her story inspires aspiring leaders to embrace challenges, take risks, and strive for career excellence.
From her early days as a management trainee to her current role as CIO of Hindustan Unilever Ltd., Shruti has consistently demonstrated her ability to overcome challenges and create a lasting impact. Her story inspires not just women in technology but anyone aspiring to make a difference in their field.
