HUL trims permanent headcount 10.7% to 5,898 in FY26 even as it commits Rs 2,000 cr capex

Hindustan Unilever's permanent staff fell to 5,898 from 6,604 a year earlier, per its annual report, while the company plows Rs 2,000 crore into premium beauty, wellbeing and home care liquids capacity. Women now make up 44% of managers, with 1,400 in manufacturing and 1,500 in sales; median pay rose 6.08%.

— Source publishedWed, 3 Jun, 2026, 21:19 IST·First seen Thu, 4 Jun, 2026, 11:23 IST·Source ET Small Business

What happened

HUL's permanent headcount fell 10.7% to 5,898 in FY26 from 6,604, per its annual report, even as it invests Rs 2,000 crore to expand premium beauty, wellbeing

Key facts

  • 5,898 employees FY26
  • 6,604 employees FY25
  • -10.7%
  • Rs 2,000 crore capex
  • 44% women managers
  • 1,400 women in manufacturing
  • 1,500 women in sales
  • 6.08% median pay hike

Why this matters

HUL's simultaneous workforce contraction and Rs 2,000 cr capacity build in beauty/wellbeing/home care liquids points to portfolio repositioning that could reshape category competitive dynamics and create M&A opportunities in adjacent premium niches.