Priya Nair named Hindustan Unilever MD & CEO

By Admin

11 Jul, 2025

In a landmark development for India’s FMCG sector, Hindustan Unilever Limited (HUL) has announced the appointment of Priya Nair as its new Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer. The company informed the stock exchanges on July 10, confirming that Nair will assume her new role effective August 1, 2025, for a term of five years ending July 31, 2030, subject to shareholder and statutory approvals.

A Leadership Transition

Priya Nair is set to replace Rohit Jawa, who will step down from his position on July 31, 2025. Jawa had taken the reins of the company in 2023 and has decided to step away to pursue the “next chapter in his personal and professional journey,” according to a company statement. Under his leadership, HUL sustained its position as a market leader in India’s competitive consumer goods space.

Priya Nair: A Veteran at the Helm

Nair’s appointment marks a significant milestone, not only for HUL but also for the broader corporate landscape in India. Having joined HUL in 1995, she brings nearly three decades of rich experience across various leadership roles in the company. Prior to this elevation, she was heading HUL’s Beauty & Wellbeing division, a €12 billion business, and one of Unilever’s fastest-growing units globally.

Over the years, Nair has made remarkable contributions to the growth and transformation of key segments within HUL:

• From 2014 to 2020, she served as the Executive Director, Home Care, where she led a significant turnaround of the business.
  
  

• From 2020 to 2022, she took over as the Executive Director of Beauty & Personal Care.
  
  

• In 2023, she became the President of Beauty & Wellbeing, showcasing her capabilities in leading global, high-growth portfolios.
  
  

Joining the Board and Unilever Leadership Executive

In her new role, Nair will also join the HUL Board, pending necessary approvals, and will continue as a member of the Unilever Leadership Executive (ULE) a testament to her strategic importance to Unilever’s global vision.

Endorsement from HUL Leadership

Nitin Paranjpe, Chairman of HUL, expressed strong confidence in Nair’s appointment, 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."

As one of India’s most respected business leaders, Priya Nair's elevation to the top leadership role at HUL signals a forward-looking, inclusive, and growth-oriented future for the FMCG powerhouse. Her journey from a young executive to the CEO's office is both inspiring and indicative of HUL's commitment to nurturing home-grown talent.