Brands
We have ingrained agility and speed in our work culture: Harish Manwani
MUMBAI: Hindustan Unilever Limited (HUL) and its parent company Unilever has never shied away from corporate social responsibility (CSR) and has launched umpteen number of programs from a better tomorrow.
The company believes in a better tomorrow and for that it has to be dynamic. HUL chairman Harish Manwani at the 81st annual meeting highlighted up on how change is ‘the new normal’ and the need for companies to constantly reinvent themselves in order to thrive.
In the speech titled ‘Building a future ready organisation’, Manwani spoke about Unilever’s five-pronged approach to remain future ready – first, embracing technology and inclusive innovation that meets the needs of consumers across the socio-economic pyramid; second, committing to sustainable and responsible growth; third, building future ready talent and capabilities; fourth, values-led and purpose-driven leadership; fifth, creating an agile and inclusive work culture.
He underlined that to succeed in this world one has to develop a high capacity for responsiveness. Organisations will have to adapt to rapidly changing situations and priorities, tolerate ambiguity, and develop new ways of working in order to succeed. He said, “While technology and innovation will be the hardware that drives future ready organisations, it is a values-led and purpose-driven leadership that is the software that must drive sustainable and responsible growth. It is this combination of hardware and software that will shape the corporate winners of tomorrow.”
India at the Forefront of Change
In the last couple of decades, developing countries like India have been marked by a momentous change. Speaking about these advances, he said, “Technology and easier access to information and knowledge have opened up employment opportunities resulting in a new wave of people entering the consumption cycle. We are witnessing a significant increase in the earning power of consumers at the bottom-of-the-pyramid as they join the increasing middle class population in India. The traditional socio-economic pyramid is rapidly transforming itself into a diamond with a burgeoning middle class and
He elaborated on how we live in an increasingly interconnected world that is changing faster than ever before. He spoke about the need for companies to be able to seize the opportunities these changes present, and also protect themselves from the challenges of the VUCA (Volatile, Uncertain, Complex and Ambiguous) world.
Building a Future Ready Organisation
Manwani advised that to be future ready, business must have the vision and the capabilities to compete in the world of tomorrow, and have a larger purpose to remain relevant to society.
He went on to underline that at Unilever, the approach of developing innovations with consumer price as the starting point was at the heart of company’s inclusive innovation strategy. “HUL had institutionalised a ‘challenge cost’ mindset where the target price for consumers drives innovation in each segment and category,” he said.
He also spoke about HUL’s focus on addressing the needs and aspirations of consumers as well as social and environmental challenges in its journey to being a future ready organisation. Manwani spoke about how the Unilever Sustainable Living Plan which was launched in November 2010 was the guiding light in this journey.
It is import to nurture the continuous learning environment that builds talent and new organisational capabilities. He reiterated that the most important asset of any organisation is its reputation. “For future ready organisations, leaders need to not only build the organisational capabilities to harness technology and new ways of working, but also instil the values to build sustainable and responsible models of growth,” Manwani said.
He argued that in a world with easy access to information and rapid changes, companies need to move fast to keep up. Manwani said, “At Unilever, we have ingrained agility and speed in our work culture.”
“Equally, diversity and inclusion is an important aspect of our sustainable business growth agenda and a key to building a future ready organisation. In HUL, we refer to this as ‘Winning Balance’,” he added.
Brands
Lotus Herbals unveils HydroActivated sunscreen with high-impact campaign
Harnaaz Sandhu fronts digital push spotlighting breakthrough sun care tech
MUMBAI: Lotus Herbals has rolled out a high-decibel marketing campaign to introduce what it calls India’s first hydro-activated sunscreen, aiming to reshape how consumers think about sun protection.
At the centre of the launch is the Safe Sun HydroActivated Sunscreen SPF 50+ PA+++, a formulation built on a patent-pending Hydrosome Technology that activates on contact with moisture. Unlike conventional sunscreens that can weaken with sweat, this product is designed to do the opposite, boosting protection when the skin is exposed to water or perspiration.
The campaign is led by Harnaaz Sandhu and is being amplified across OTT platforms, social media and outdoor locations in key metro cities. The brand film takes a light, relatable approach to everyday sunscreen struggles such as uneven application and fading protection, while positioning the new product as a reliable, high-performance alternative for active lifestyles.
Beyond its core technology, the sunscreen features next-generation UV filters and Edelweiss Flower Extract, offering hydration alongside protection. The formula claims up to 10 hours of water resistance and even, all-round defence against sun exposure and tanning, targeting consumers who want both skincare and performance in one product.
Speaking about the launch, Lotus Herbals chairman and managing director Nitin Passi said, “We are excited to launch India’s first sunscreen with hydroactivated technology which is our most innovative product launch. This isn’t just a sunscreen; it’s a technological breakthrough that utilises a novel manufacturing process. We’ve created a product that stays invisible on the skin yet becomes a performance powerhouse when the user is most active.”
Sharing her experience, Lotus Herbals brand ambassador Harnaaz Sandhu said, “I am thrilled to be associated with Lotus Herbals Safe Sun for their new sun protection campaign. In my world, there is no room for shortcuts, and I need functional and reliable products that work as hard as I do. The hydroactivated sunscreen is a game-changer because it blends with my skin and protects me better when I’m pushing my limits.”
The campaign is being distributed across platforms including JioStar connected TV integrations and ZEE5, along with television placements such as Sa Re Ga Ma Pa in West Bengal. A large influencer push involving over a thousand creators, along with in-store branding and retail activations, is also part of the rollout.
With a blend of science-led positioning and mass-market storytelling, Lotus Herbals is betting on innovation to stand out in the crowded sun care segment, hoping its moisture-powered promise strikes the right chord with today’s always-on consumers.
