Amlan Mukherjee has been serving as the Managing Director of Unilever Nepal Limited since April 2020, bringing with him over three decades of experience in Unilever’s global operations. His leadership has been instrumental in steering the company through the challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic, ensuring both employee welfare and business continuity. Under his guidance, Unilever Nepal achieved a 19 percent increase in profit after tax, reaching Rs 1.834bn, and delivered the highest dividends in the company’s history. Beyond financial achievements, Mukherjee has championed several corporate social responsibility initiatives. Notably, he led Unilever Nepal’s collaboration with the Nepali Army for the ‘Mountain Cleanup Campaign 2023’, aiming to preserve the nation’s Himalayan environment by collecting and recycling waste from major peaks. On 30th March, Ponds Skin Institute unveiled their new tagline, Miracle Happens, which highlighted the efficacy of three essential skincare. In this context, Sabika Shrestha of ApEx interviewed him about the skincare industry, trends, and other issues. Excerpts:

What was the objective behind hosting the event?

As you know that Ponds is one of the most established skincare brand globally and what we try to do is to understand the needs of the consumers because in today’s day, unlike before, the consumer skincare needs are evolving and they are evolving on the basis of environment, temperature, skin types and hence one fits for all time is over. Hence, what we try to do through this event is to understand those skincare needs and then bring in the products which address those needs. We invest a significant amount of money in terms of bringing in the best-in-class machinery and technologies so that the consumers can get the best products.

How has the brand evolved over time?

Twenty years ago we took this revolutionary step of bringing in the modern skincare solutions for consumers. While the skincare regimen—cleansing, toning, and moisturizing—are timeless, we at Ponds build products to address specific concerns like skin type, pollution, and environment. Our formulations continue to evolve based on the needs of our consumers to deliver far greater results.

What sets Ponds apart in the global market?.

With 125+ years of heritage, Ponds operates in 60 countries and has five best in class research centers in five different parts of the world. This gives us the opportunity to understand the consumer needs and adapt accordingly. We can anticipate global trends and introduce products in our local markets. To me that is the biggest advantage between Ponds and the other skin care brands which we find in Nepal and in South Asia.

How is Ponds positioning itself as a market leader in Nepal?

With digital advancement, the world is a very small space. If Nepali consumers are demanding for products that are trending in the rest of the world, then we need to be ready to fulfill that need. And that’s what Unilever stands for and that is what Ponds stands for. There is a consumer need. We get the consumers, and we either bring that product from our existing range, or we do that research and introduce that product. That is our Pond’s place.

Does beauty relate to the overall well-being of an individual?

Absolutely. We at Ponds believe that beauty is holistic, that inner well-being reflects on the skin. Stress, for example, can cause skin pigmentation. So, Ponds blends scientific research with deep consumer insights to nurture both inner and outer beauty.

What are the evolving consumer needs and preferences in Nepal’s skin industry?

Nepal has a high beauty consciousness, with consumers well-informed about global trends. Pollution and climate create unique skin care challenges (e.g., acne, dryness). Ponds addresses these with targeted solutions, ensuring that our Nepali consumers receive the same premium care as global audiences.

What are your thoughts on introducing budget friendly skin care products?

You know, word budget depends on and varies from person to person. Today, our consumers are willing to spend on taking care of their skin. It is unfair to overcharge them, but we ensure quality products. So, it is important to see that there are consumers who need the basic skin care regime, and we have that for you. Then there are consumers who have specific skin care regimes, who have specific needs for their skin care needs, and we have products for them as well. We let our consumers decide by putting out a wide variety of products all across the price line.

How do you encourage men to follow a skincare routine?

For today’s men, taking up the beauty care regime is not a taboo. They are much more open, much more receptive to the fact that they also have skin care needs as much as their women counterparts. They are driving that change. The men’s beauty care industry is very promising. Ponds already also has a specific men’s range, and the market is growing.

So there’s no gender bias when it comes to skin care?

You know, from the company’s standpoint, there is definitely no gender bias but the point is that still today, I would say, it’s changing, but not as fast as we would like to. Men are getting conscious, but at the same time, maybe because of their approach, attitude, they are still not that open as women to get into this skin care regimen lifestyle. But, the way we have picked up the trend, there is lots of social noise, lots of social media interest in terms of skin care, changes from the male also.

Do you have a skincare routine?

Definitely. I lead a company which deals with beauty products. I have to practice what I preach.