British multinational fast-moving consumer goods company, Unilever Ice Cream, has appointed Indian-Origin executive Abhijit Bhattacharya as its new chief financial officer (CFO), effective Dec. 1, 2024.
Bhattacharya will succeed Anita Bhat-Zutshi, who has served as CFO for Unilever Ice Cream for the past two years. He joins Unilever after a 38-year career, most recently serving as CFO and board member at Royal Philips N.V., a position he held since 2015.
His leadership experience at Philips, notably overseeing the company’s successful separation into two stand-alone entities, is expected to be a significant asset as Unilever Ice Cream continues to evolve into a pure-play ice cream business.
Peter ter Kulve, president of Unilever Ice Cream, while announcing the appointment, expressed his enthusiasm for Bhattacharya’s role. “His proven leadership will be of great value in establishing a world-leading stand-alone Pure Play Ice Cream business.,” ter Kulve said.
Bhattacharya’s career includes leadership roles across various sectors. Prior to his role at Philips, he held senior positions at OmniActive Health Technologies Ltd., NXP Semiconductors NV, and Philips Healthcare, among others. He is also an associate of the Institute of Cost and Works Accountants of India and holds a graduate degree from Sydenham College of Commerce & Economics.
