Goa, July 7, 2025: Goa Institute of Management (GIM) expresses deep sorrow at the passing of Mr. Susim Mukul Datta, former Chairman of Hindustan Unilever Ltd. (HUL) and the first Chairman of the Board of Governors at GIM from 1993 to 2006. Mr. Datta passed away on Saturday morning in Mumbai at the age of 89.
A stalwart of India’s corporate landscape, Mr. Datta leaves behind a rich legacy of visionary leadership and transformative strategies that shaped the country’s FMCG sector. Known for his pioneering work in rural marketing, Mr. Datta served as Chairman of HUL (then Hindustan Lever Ltd) from 1990 to 1996. During his tenure, he played a pivotal role in orchestrating the landmark merger of Lipton Tea and Brooke Bond—two of the company’s major businesses at the time.
Mr. Datta began his illustrious career with HUL as a management trainee in the mid-1950s and went on to hold leadership and non-executive chairman roles across 21 prominent organizations, including IL&FS Investment Managers, Tata Trustee Co., Philips India, Castrol, Peerless General Finance & Investment Co., Linde India, and notably, Goa Institute of Management.
Dr. Ajit Parulekar, Director of Goa Institute of Management, paid tribute to Mr. Datta’s lasting contribution to the institution:
“Mr. Datta played a very significant role in shaping the early years of Goa Institute of Management. His guidance during GIM’s formative decade laid the foundation for what the institution has become today. Even after his formal retirement from our Board of Governors, he remained closely associated with GIM and visited our campus on several occasions. We will always be grateful for his wisdom, mentorship, and unwavering support through critical periods of our development.”
The Goa Institute of Management will always remember Mr. Susim Mukul Datta as a visionary leader and a valued mentor whose legacy continues to inspire future generations.
About Goa Institute of Management:
Goa Institute of Management (GIM) is one of India’s leading business schools, known for its academic excellence, strong industry connections, and commitment to developing socially responsible leaders.
