Global private equity major Blackstone has named Harish Manwani, former chief operating officer of Unilever, as a global executive advisor, it said in a release.
Manwani retired from Unilever at the end of 2014, where he was responsible for managing Unilever’s P&L in all of the markets in which it operates.
As a global executive advisor, Manwani will guide Blackstone’s select portfolio companies across the world and help in diligencing investment opportunities. In addition, he will help guide portfolio operations and advise the management teams of Blackstone’s Indian portfolio companies.
David Calhoun, Blackstone’s Global Head of Portfolio Operations, said, “We are excited about having Harish on board. His 38-year career as a global operator and business leader in one of the world’s largest consumer goods businesses will be valuable to Blackstone’s portfolio companies.”
Joe Baratta, Blackstone’s Global Head of Private Equity, said, “I expect that Harish will make a terrific contribution to our group, both in providing advice on deals and in adding value to our current portfolio.”
Manwani said, “I am delighted to be advising Blackstone as a global executive advisor. They are an internationally recognised leader in private equity and I look forward to working closely with the leadership of the portfolio companies to raising the bar on operational excellence and value creation.”
Manwani spent 38 years with Unilever, holding various senior general management positions in different parts of the world, including overseeing Unilever’s businesses in Latin America, North America and Asia. He is also non-executive chairman of Hindustan Unilever and serves on several international boards, including Qualcomm, Pearson and Whirlpool.
(Edited by Joby Puthuparampil Johnson)
