Hindustan Unilever Ltd (HUL) on Wednesday announced the appointment of Priya Nair as its next Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director, marking a historic first in the company’s 92-year history.
Nair will take over from current CEO and MD Rohit Jawa, who is set to step down on July 31, 2025. Her appointment will come into effect from August 1, 2025. She will also join the HUL Board, subject to approvals, and continue as a member of the Unilever Leadership Executive (ULE).
With this move, Priya Nair becomes the first woman to lead HUL as CEO and MD. She currently serves as President, Beauty & Wellbeing at Unilever, one of the company’s fastest-growing global businesses.
Nair, who joined HUL in 1995, has held leadership roles across home care, beauty and personal care, customer development, and global marketing. In 2022, she was appointed Global Chief Marketing Officer for Beauty & Wellbeing, and in 2023 became President of the division.
An alumna of Sydenham College and Symbiosis Institute of Business Management, Nair also attended Harvard Business School for an executive programme.
HUL Chairman Nitin Paranjpe lauded her appointment, saying: “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, who has led HUL since 2023, is stepping down to pursue other opportunities, the company said.
