In a landmark appointment, Hindustan Unilever Ltd (HUL), India's largest fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) company, announced on Thursday that Priya Nair will assume the role of Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director from 1 August 2025, becoming the first woman to lead the company in its decades-long history.
Currently serving as President, Beauty & Wellbeing, at Unilever, Priya has been entrusted with the position for a five-year tenure. She will succeed Rohit Jawa, who will step down on 31 July 2025 to "pursue the next chapter in his personal and professional journey", HUL stated.
Jawa, who took the helm of HUL in 2023, will be remembered for steering the company through challenging market conditions while delivering volume-led competitive growth. His leadership was marked by strategic portfolio refinement and reinforced market dominance.
"On behalf of the Board of HUL, I would like to thank Rohit for leading the business through tough market conditions and strengthening its foundations for success. The Company took decisive actions to sharpen the portfolio and further stepped up its market leadership over the last two years," said HUL Chairman Nitin Paranjpe.
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Subject to necessary regulatory approvals, Priya will also join the HUL Board and will continue as a member of the Unilever Leadership Executive (ULE), reinforcing her dual role in both Indian and global operations.
Paranjpe lauded Nair’s elevation, stating, "Priya has had an outstanding career in HUL and Unilever. I am certain that with her deep understanding of the Indian market and excellent track record, Priya will take HUL to the next level of performance."
Having joined HUL in 1995, she brings with her three decades of rich experience across sales and marketing. Her career has spanned multiple leadership roles in home care, personal care, and beauty & wellbeing businesses. Notably, she served as Executive Director, Home Care, HUL from 2014 to 2020, followed by her role as Executive Director, Beauty & Personal Care, from 2020 to 2022.
Her exceptional contributions led her to a global leadership role as Chief Marketing Officer, Beauty & Wellbeing, and, since 2023, as President of Beauty & Wellbeing, one of Unilever's most dynamic and fastest-growing divisions.
Priya's historic appointment reflects HUL’s commitment to diverse and progressive leadership while positioning the company for future growth under her stewardship.
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