In a landmark leadership shift that underscores Hindustan Unilever Ltd’s (HUL) focus on strategic continuity and inclusive growth, Priya Nair has been appointed as the new Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director for a five-year term starting August 1, 2025.
Currently serving as the President, Beauty & Wellbeing at Unilever, Nair brings with her nearly three decades of experience, much of it shaped within the very corridors of HUL. She will take over from Rohit Jawa, who exits the top job on July 31, after a crucial tenure that saw HUL steer through volatile market conditions with resilience and precision.
A Historic Appointment for HUL
Nair’s elevation isn’t just a corporate reshuffle; it’s a pivotal moment in the company’s 90-year legacy in India. With this move, she becomes one of the few women to ever lead a top-tier FMCG conglomerate in the country. Her appointment is still subject to regulatory approvals, and she is also set to join the HUL Board, while continuing as a member of the Unilever Leadership Executive (ULE).
'Priya has had an outstanding career in HUL and Unilever. With her deep understanding of the Indian market and an excellent track record, she is poised to take HUL to the next level of performance,' said Nitin Paranjpe, Chairman of HUL
A Career Built from the Ground Up
Priya Nair’s HUL journey began in 1995, giving her a rare insider’s edge on the company’s evolution across generations of consumers. Her diverse roles have spanned across sales, marketing, home care, personal care, and global brand leadership.
Notably, she was:
- Executive Director, Home Care (2014–2020)
- Executive Director, Beauty & Personal Care (2020–2022)
- Global Chief Marketing Officer, Beauty & Wellbeing (2022–2023)
- Global President, Beauty & Wellbeing (since 2023)
From shaping consumer narratives to spearheading innovation pipelines, Nair has been instrumental in driving category growth, brand equity, and digital transformation, both in India and globally.
Rohit Jawa’s Impactful Exit
Rohit Jawa, who stepped in as CEO-MD in 2023, is credited with navigating one of the most complex market environments in HUL’s recent history. His leadership focused on volume-led competitive growth, portfolio optimisation, and sharpening execution in core categories.
'On behalf of the Board, I thank Rohit for strengthening HUL’s foundations and steering the company through tough market conditions. His bold actions over the last two years have further cemented HUL’s market leadership,' Paranjpe added.
What This Means for the FMCG Landscape?
This change at the helm comes at a time when India’s FMCG sector is seeing rapid shifts in consumer behaviour, rural demand dynamics, and digital buying patterns. Priya Nair’s deep-rooted brand understanding, combined with global foresight, is expected to position HUL to thrive in both traditional and emerging markets.
Her appointment also signals a broader push towards gender diversity in boardrooms, and could inspire more Indian corporates to build inclusive succession pipelines.
As a bellwether company in India's consumer goods space, any leadership change at HUL signals larger industry trends, including innovation trajectories, talent development, and shareholder confidence. With Nair’s appointment, HUL seems ready to blend legacy strengths with future-focused agility.
About the Author:
Akanksha Sinha
I'm Akanksha Sinha, an expert in writing sports blogs, news, and various articles for entertainment and more. I bring a unique flair to my work, providing insightful perspectives on the world of sports.
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