Yogita Pingle
Global FMCG R&D and Innovation Leader
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About
Global FMCG R&D and Innovation Leader with 15+ years of experience in Home Care, Hygiene, Surfactants, and Sustainable Product Technologies at Unilever. Proven track record leading multi-region innovation programs, delivering €40M+ in value creation, and developing sustainable technologies across laundry soaps, surfactants, and household care portfolios. Expertise in sustainability, circular feedstocks, cost transformation, technical claims, and commercialization across Africa, LATAM, South Asia, and China.
Experience
R&D Program Lead, Global Home Care - Unilever - Mumbai, India
(2022-07)
Led global innovation and value-chain transformation initiatives across Africa, LATAM, South Asia, and China, delivering €40M+ in product and cost optimization savings.
- Spearheaded development of sustainable surfactant and soap technologies using Used Cooking Oil (UCO) and alternative palm feedstocks supporting Unilever's Clean Future agenda.
- Developed Unilever's first UCO-based laundry soap platform and pioneered sustainable CAPB and SLS surfactant systems in collaboration with suppliers and academic institutions.
- Co-developed patented low-TFM soap technologies enabling cost-effective and sustainable product portfolios aligned with Vision 2030 objectives.
- Received Global 5S Award for leading a €20M innovation initiative successfully deployed across multiple geographies.
Assistant Manager, R&D Home Care - Unilever - Mumbai, India
(2018-09 - 2022-06)
Led product innovation and technical claims development across laundry and hygiene categories for South Asia markets.
- Developed consumer-centric technical communication strategies that strengthened product differentiation and brand trust.
- Supported award-winning product launches including Nature Protect and Domex hygiene campaigns during the pandemic.
- Partnered with marketing and commercial teams to translate scientific insights into impactful consumer propositions.
- Contributed to sustainability initiatives through development of affordable and scalable home care technologies.
Senior Associate, R&D Home Care - Unilever - Mumbai, India
(2014-01 - 2018-08)
Led technical claims and knowledge-based selling initiatives for Vim, Domex, and Cif household brands.
- Drove innovation-led campaigns that improved market competitiveness and enabled expansion into Sri Lanka and Bangladesh.
- Delivered value engineering and cost optimization programs recognized through the Symphony Award.
- Collaborated with regional teams to develop scalable and consumer-relevant product solutions.
Associate, R&D Pureit Water Purification - Unilever - Mumbai, India
(2013-02 - 2013-12)
Managed product performance evaluation and laboratory capability development for water purification technologies.
- Oversaw operations and quality systems for 11 water-testing laboratories across India.
Education
MicroMasters - Business Management - Indian Institute of Management Bangalore (IIM Bangalore) (2021)
M.Sc. - Microbiology - Mumbai University (2009)
B.Sc. - Microbiology - Mumbai University (2007)
