Harish Manwani

Born On: 1954
Born In: India
Career: Entrepreneur

Harish Manwani is a business entrepreneur who was named Unilever's first global chief operating officer. He is Unilever's geographical president of Asia, Africa and Central and Eastern Europe. Being a devouring and devoted golfer he loves playing bridge occasionally. Harish Manwani, is described as a go-getter and is known for his consistent performance. He is respected by his colleagues and friends. He is a man who believes in relentless execution. Visiting customers is one of the must-dos in Harish Manwani's list every time he visits a country. He is currently a member of the Executive Board of the Indian School of Business. He is personally considered a bold person with a strong will and a focused mind towards his business and life. Success has been in his hands and he is an expert at balancing fun and work. Read on to know more about the life and profile of Harish Manwani.

Early Life
Harish Manwani is an honors graduate from the Mumbai University and has a master's degree in management studies. He also attended the Advanced Management Program at the Harvard Business School. He served as the Chairman of Unilever's Latin America Advisory Council. Harish is married and has two daughters. He spends his leisure time with his family and enjoys playing golf and an occasional game of bridge.

Career
Harish Manwani joined Hindustan Lever Ltd (HLL), now Hindustan Unilever Ltd (HUL), in 1976 and became a board member of HLL in 1995. He was responsible for the Personal Products business. He also took care of the business group in Central Asia and Middle East. He became Senior Vice President of Global Hair Care and Oral Care in 2001 and moved to the UK. The next year he was appointed President of Home and Personal Care of the Latin America division. He was also made Chairman of Unilever's Latin America Advisory Council. He became President and CEO of HPC North America in 2004. He joined Unilever in 2005 as the President of its Asia and Africa division. He is also a member of the Executive Board of the Indian School of Business and serves on the Supervisory Board of ING Group. He was appointed as the global COO for Unilever in June 2011. Mr. Harish Manwaniassumed charge as the Non-Executive Chairman of the Company became effective on 1st July, 2005. He is also the President - Asia & Africa, Central & Eastern Europe and a member of the Unilever Executive (UEx). He is currently Unilever's Chief Operating Officer.

Contribution
Harish Manwani's professional contribution to the field of business is vast. He has always believed in the 'Think local, Act local' concept to achieve customer satisfaction. This helped in the development of his company. Nitin Paranjpe and Harish Manwani's shared vision contributed to HUL's growth story. HUL produces all fast moving consumable products.

Awards and Accolades
The Asia Business Leader of the Year in 2008 by CNBC Asia.

Timeline
1954: Born and brought up in India.
2000: He moved to the UK as Senior Vice President, Global Hair Care and Oral Care.
2001: He was appointed President, Home and Personal Care, Latin America business group.
2004: He was appointed President and CEO of the HPC North America business group.
2005: Joined Unilever as President, Asia Africa.
2008: Received the CNBC Asia Business Leader of the Year award.
2011: Becomes the President for Asia Africa, Central and Eastern Europe at Unilever.