Hindustan Unilever Appoints Priya Nair as First Woman CEO
| 2025-07-11
HUL
Hindustan Unilever names Priya Nair as CEO and Managing Director, marking the first female leadership in the company’s 92-year history.
Hindustan Unilever Limited (HUL) confirmed on Thursday that Priya Nair, currently President of Beauty & Wellbeing at Unilever, will assume the role of Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director from 1 August 2025. Her appointment will follow the departure of Rohit Jawa, who is stepping down after more than two years in the position.
The company stated that Ms Nair’s appointment, recommended by the Nomination and Remuneration Committee, will be subject to shareholder and regulatory approval. She is expected to serve a five-year term through July 2030.
Ms Nair has worked with Unilever and HUL for nearly three decades, joining the organisation in 1995. Her career has spanned several key divisions, including Home Care, Beauty & Wellbeing, and Personal Care. She previously led HUL’s Home Care business as Executive Director between 2014 and 2020, and later oversaw Beauty & Personal Care.
In 2022, she was appointed as Unilever’s Global Chief Marketing Officer for Beauty & Wellbeing, and since 2023, she has served as President of that division, which accounts for significant growth in Unilever’s global portfolio.
Nitin Paranjpe, Chairman of HUL, praised Ms Nair’s contribution and expertise in a statement accompanying the announcement. “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,” he said.
Leadership Transition
Mr Jawa, who became Managing Director and CEO in June 2023, guided HUL through what the company described as “tough market conditions.” His tenure saw the business focus on volume-led competitive growth, strengthening its market leadership despite slowing urban demand.
In a resignation letter cited by HUL, Mr Jawa said he had decided to “pursue the next chapter in his personal and professional journey.” His departure will take effect after business hours on 31 July 2025.
HUL said the leadership transition was planned carefully to ensure continuity during a period marked by changing consumer preferences, premiumisation, and renewed growth in rural India.
The company is the Indian subsidiary of Unilever, a British multinational that operates in over 190 countries. HUL’s brands, including Lifebuoy, Dove, Surf Excel and Lux, are used by millions of consumers every day.
Significance of the Appointment
Ms Nair will be the first woman to lead Hindustan Unilever in its 92-year history. Her elevation reflects broader efforts within India’s corporate sector to promote gender diversity in senior management.
She will also join the HUL Board and continue as a member of the Unilever Leadership Executive, the global body responsible for overseeing Unilever’s strategy.
Context
Hindustan Unilever is India’s largest fast-moving consumer goods company, with a presence in categories ranging from personal care to home cleaning products and packaged foods. The firm was established in 1933 and has played a central role in shaping consumer habits in the country.
Its parent company, Unilever, headquartered in London, has been increasing its focus on emerging markets, where growth remains more robust than in developed economies. India is a crucial market for Unilever, contributing significantly to its revenue.
In recent years, HUL has navigated a challenging economic environment marked by fluctuating demand, rising raw material costs, and evolving consumer expectations. Analysts have noted that Ms Nair’s experience in both local and global roles will help the company adapt to shifting dynamics and maintain its leadership position.
Ms Nair’s appointment aligns with broader trends in the Indian corporate sector, where several large companies have named women to top leadership positions, signalling gradual progress in boardroom representation.
Her tenure will begin as the company continues to invest in premium segments and expand its digital and rural distribution networks to drive future growth.
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