Hemant Bakshi has been appointed as Managing Director and Global CEO of Blackstone-backed EPL Limited, bringing over 30 years of experience in the fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) sector. Hemant’s leadership journey spans major organizations including OlaConsumer and Unilever, where he successfully scaled businesses and drove innovation across diverse markets.
At OlaConsumer, Hemant served as Chief Executive Officer, overseeing one of India’s largest e-commerce platforms with substantial operations in ride-hailing, financial services, logistics, and commerce. His tenure at Unilever included senior leadership roles across India, Indonesia, and Singapore, notably as President Director of PT. Unilever Indonesia and Executive Vice President of Unilever Marketplace. During this time, he focused on sustainable growth strategies and pioneering B2B models across emerging markets.
Hemant has also played a pivotal role in connecting small retailers to leading FMCG principals such as Unilever, Heineken, and Coca-Cola, strengthening supply chain linkages and driving inclusive business growth. Under his leadership, Unilever Marketplace expanded into 12 countries across Asia, Latin America, and Africa, achieving a gross merchandise value (GMV) of $1 billion within two years and serving over 250,000 active customers.
Commenting on his new role, Hemant highlighted his commitment to scaling EPL’s global footprint and enhancing operational excellence. With his extensive expertise in business strategy, digital commerce, and international market expansion, he is poised to lead EPL’s global strategy, strengthen market presence, and accelerate growth across its portfolio.
Industry analysts note that Hemant’s appointment comes at a time when EPL Limited is focused on expanding its reach and innovating across FMCG, e-commerce, and B2B supply chains. His proven track record in integrating technology with business strategy and driving large-scale operational transformation aligns with EPL’s ambition to enhance competitiveness and deliver long-term value to stakeholders.
With Hemant at the helm, EPL Limited is expected to continue its trajectory of innovation, market expansion, and strategic growth, solidifying its position as a leading global player in the FMCG and e-commerce ecosystem.
