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Unilever Eyes Hyderabad for Global Capability Centre After Davos Talks

Unilever is considering establishing a Global Capability Centre in Hyderabad following a meeting between its Chief Supply Chain Officer and a Telangana government delegation at the World Economic Forum in Davos. The delegation, led by the Chief Minister, highlighted Hyderabad's growth as a GCC hub and the state's business-friendly policies. Discussions also covered aligning Unilever's environmental commitments with Telangana's sustainability initiatives. In a separate meeting, the delegation engaged with Royal Philips to explore partnerships in artificial intelligence and life sciences.

Key Points: Unilever May Set Up GCC in Hyderabad, Discusses at Davos

  • Unilever explores Hyderabad GCC
  • Talks at WEF Davos 2026
  • Telangana promotes policy continuity
  • Discussions on sustainability alignment
  • State also met Royal Philips for AI, life sciences
2 min read

Unilever to explore setting up GCC in Hyderabad, holds discussion with Telangana delegation at Davos

Unilever explores establishing a Global Capability Centre in Hyderabad after talks with Telangana's delegation at the World Economic Forum in Davos.

"The company would be happy to explore the setting up of a GCC in Hyderabad - Willem Uijen"

Davos, January 20

The Global Fast-Moving Consumer Goods major, Unilever, is set to explore the possibilities of setting up of a Global Capability Centre in Hyderabad.

Telangana Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy-led 'Telangana Rising' delegation met Willem Uijen, Chief Supply Chain & Operations Officer of global consumer goods giant Unilever, during the World Economic Forum (WEF) 2026 in Davos on Tuesday.

The meeting deliberated on the global GMCG major, potentially setting up a Global Capability Centre (GCC) in Telangana, an official statement by the Telangana government said.

"The Chief Minister explained about Hyderabad's rapid transformation as a global hub for GCCs. Uijen said the company would be happy to explore the setting up of a GCC in Hyderabad," it said.

Minister D Sridhar Babu said Hyderabad is home to GCCs of several FMCG companies like McDonald's, Heineken and Costco. "Unilever is a prized partner of Telangana. Telangana is known for policy continuity and fast-paced approval and licensing process for businesses."

The delegation, including Minister D. Sridhar Babu and Revenue Minister Ponguleti Srinivas Reddy, welcomed the company to explore fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) manufacturing in Telangana industrial parks.

Discussions were also held on potential ways of aligning the company's climate, water-positive, and plastic-reduction commitments with Telangana's renewable energy, water stewardship, and circular-economy initiatives.

The Telangana delegation also met the global leadership of renowned health tech company Royal Philips at Davos.

As per the official statement, during the meeting, Jan Willem-Scheijgrond, Vice President and Global Head, Government and Public Affairs, Royal Philips, expressed interest in partnering with the state in the AI space.

The delegation explained to Willem-Scheijgrond about the newly launched, dedicated Telangana life sciences policy. With an ambitious target of building a USD 250 billion life sciences economy by 2030, the 'Telangana Next-Gen Life Sciences Policy 2026-2030' is extending benefits to medical electronics, among various other allied areas.

The 56th Annual Meeting of the World Economic Forum (WEF) is being held from January 19 to 23, 2026, at Davos-Klosters, which is set to welcome nearly 3,000 participants from over 130 countries, including a record number of world leaders, CEOs, innovators and policymakers, under the theme "A Spirit of Dialogue."

- ANI

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
As someone who works in the tech sector here, I'm excited. Unilever's GCC would bring in global best practices and create opportunities in supply chain, analytics, and digital. Hyderabad's infrastructure and talent pool can definitely support this growth.
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Priyanka N
Good move, but I hope the government ensures this development is inclusive. The benefits should reach local SMEs and create ancillary jobs, not just high-paying corporate roles. Also, the focus on aligning with climate goals is very welcome. We need sustainable growth.
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Aman W
Hyderabad is on a roll! After Microsoft, Google, Amazon, now Unilever and Philips showing interest. This will put immense pressure on Bangalore and Pune. Our real estate and local economy will get a big boost. Feeling proud as a Hyderabadi!
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Karthik V
While attracting investment is great, I respectfully question the priorities. Our state has pressing issues in rural healthcare and farmer welfare. I hope such high-profile deals translate into better public services and infrastructure for all, not just IT corridors.
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Michael C
The partnership discussion on AI and life sciences with Philips is the real game-changer. A $250 billion target by 2030 is incredibly ambitious. If they can pull it off, it will position Telangana as a global biotech and medtech hub, rivalling Boston or Singapore.

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