Davies to leave as Unilever India calls pitch

The news was revealed as Hindustan Unilever pitches its mammoth US$150 million media planning and buying account.

Davies, who has been in the role for more than three years, is tipped to return to Europe to take on a new role with Unilever, although he declined to comment when contacted by Media.

It is understood that Davies has already exceeded his original three-year contract with Unilever, but has agreed to stay on to handle the transition to a more localised management structure.

Rahul Welde, current Hindustan Unilever general manager, media services, South Asia, has been named to take on Davies’ role.

Welde joined then Hindustan Lever in the early ’90s, and has since garnered experience across several operations within the company, becoming general manager, media services, in 2005.

Details of the reshuffle emerge as MindShare defends its hold on the FMCG giant’s India business against at least two other agencies.

Presentations are expected to take place by the end of September, with either a shortlist or decision slated for mid-October.

India is rated Unilever’s third-largest market by spend in Asia-Pacific, following only China and Japan, and boasts annual sales of Rs 10,000 crore (US$25 billion).

One source said: “It’s a huge piece of business and to be honest it’s difficult to pick another agency that can compete with MindShare.”

In Malaysia, where Uni-lever has spent the last two months reviewing its US$30 million media planning and buying business, Davies confirmed a decision was due shortly. The review involves incumbent MindShare and an Omnicom Media Group representation.

Meanwhile, Unilever’s Korea media business is currently being reviewed, with the process expected to be complete by next month. However, Taiwan, earlier tipped to be reviewed by year- end, may possibly remain status quo until early 2008.

The processes are part of Unilever’s statutory review process.