December 23, 2025 | India: Global consumer health and hygiene leader Reckitt has announced the appointment of Anandi Shankar as its Regional HR Director for South Asia. In her new role, Shankar will lead the company’s people, culture, and leadership strategy across a region that remains central to Reckitt’s long-term growth ambitions.
Driving Reckitt’s People and Leadership Vision in South Asia
As Regional HR Director, Shankar will work closely with senior business leaders to build organizational capability, strengthen leadership pipelines, and support Reckitt’s continued expansion in key South Asian markets. Her appointment underscores Reckitt’s commitment to scaling its operations and deepening its presence across high-growth emerging economies, particularly within the health, hygiene, and nutrition categories.
Bringing Two Decades of Global HR Experience from Unilever
Shankar joins Reckitt with more than 20 years of experience at Unilever, where she held multiple leadership roles across categories, geographies, and HR disciplines.
Most recently, she served as Global Head of Learning at Unilever, overseeing learning and leadership development programs for over 150,000 employees across more than 150 countries. Prior to that, she was Head of HR for Beauty, Personal Care, and Nutrition in South Asia, managing a business with revenues of approximately €5 billion and working alongside leadership teams for renowned brands such as Dove, Lifebuoy, Ponds, and Bru.
She also played a pivotal role as Head of Talent, Organisation, and Integration for South Asia, where she led the successful integration of GSK Consumer Healthcare into Unilever’s regional operations.
Earlier in her career, Shankar held leadership positions across change management, customer development, supply chain HR, organizational development, employer branding, and HR business partnering, after starting her journey in 2004 as a Business Leadership Trainee.
Reckitt’s Strategic Focus on South Asia
In her new role at Reckitt, Shankar will oversee talent development, culture transformation, and leadership priorities for the company’s South Asian operations, supporting iconic brands including Dettol, Harpic, Durex, and Vanish.
South Asia continues to be a strategic growth region for Reckitt, fueled by rising demand for health, hygiene, and wellness solutions. The company’s renewed investment in people and leadership excellence reflects its focus on strengthening execution capabilities and driving sustainable growth across emerging markets.
