Priya Nair Appointed as HUL's First Woman MD and CEO

Mumbai: 10 July 2025 Hindustan Unilever Limited (HUL), India’s leading consumer goods company, has named Priya Nair as its new Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, succeeding Rohit Jawa.

Ms. Nair, a seasoned Unilever veteran, assumes the role amid challenging market conditions, with a five-year term until 2030, pending shareholder approval. This historic appointment marks Nair as the first woman to lead HUL, a significant milestone for the company.

A Proven Leader with Deep Roots

Priya Nair joined HUL in 1995 and has since risen through the ranks, showcasing her leadership across diverse portfolios. She currently serves as Business Group President - Beauty and Wellbeing at Unilever, overseeing a €13 billion portfolio that includes Hair Care, Skin Care, Prestige Beauty, and Health & Wellbeing brands across more than 20 markets.

As a member of Unilever’s Leadership Executive, a 13-member global team overseeing the company’s worldwide operations, Nair has demonstrated strategic acumen and a deep understanding of consumer markets. Her extensive experience in India, particularly leading HUL’s home care division and personal care portfolio, positions her as a strong fit to navigate the complexities of the Indian market.

Ms. Nair has driven business transformation through strategic brand building, premiumization, digital commerce, and purpose-driven innovation. She is recognized as one of India’s most influential businesswomen. As the former Executive Director of Home Care for South Asia, Ms. Nair revitalized the business by championing sustainability, innovative value creation, and operational cost efficiencies. Her leadership drove significant margin growth, restored sales volumes, and expanded the premium product portfolio, establishing a model for category transformation in emerging markets. She currently serves on the Unilever Leadership Executive.

Ms. Nair began her career in consumer insights at the company, and later taking charge of major brands such as Dove, Rin, and Comfort. As the Global Chief Marketing Officer for Unilever’s Beauty & Wellbeing division, she pioneered marketing approaches centered on social media, expanded influencer-driven initiatives, and rolled out worldwide campaigns that reoriented Unilever’s beauty offerings toward younger, digitally-savvy audiences.

A New Chapter for HUL

Ms. Nair’s appointment signals a strategic shift as HUL aims to reinvigorate growth. Her deep experience in India’s consumer market, particularly in home and personal care, equips her to address the rising competition from smaller, agile players. Positive signs, such as increasing rural consumption and recent income tax cuts, may bolster urban spending on essentials like soaps and shampoos, as well as discretionary purchases like dining out and automobiles. These trends could provide Nair with a favorable environment to drive volume-led growth.

Academics

Ms. Nair holds a commerce degree from Sydenham College and an MBA from Symbiosis Institute of Business Management, Pune, complemented by executive education from Harvard Business School. Known for championing inclusion, adaptability, and purpose-driven leadership, she is respected for her genuine approach, sharp business insight, and profound understanding of consumer needs.

Leadership Commentary

Nitin Paranjpe, chairman, Hindustan Unilever, said "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. I wish him the very best for the next chapter in his life.”

Welcoming Priya back to India and to HUL, Nitin added, “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.”

Rohit Jawa’s Departure

Rohit Jawa, who took over HUL in 2023 and served Unilever for 37 years, announced his exit to pursue new personal and professional endeavors. While he did not elaborate on his future plans, his departure was announced after market hours, marking the end of a challenging yet foundational tenure at HUL.

Looking Ahead

As Priya Nair takes the helm, her leadership will be critical in steering HUL through a dynamic and competitive landscape. With her proven track record and deep market insights, Nair is poised to build on HUL’s legacy while addressing the evolving demands of Indian consumers.