Trailblazing Leader to Succeed Rohit Jawa as HUL Enters a New Growth Era
Hindustan Unilever Limited (HUL) has announced a major leadership transition at the helm of one of India’s most iconic consumer goods companies. Effective 1st August 2025, Priya Nair, currently serving as President, Beauty & Wellbeing, Unilever, will take over as the Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of HUL. She will also join the Board of HUL, subject to necessary regulatory approvals, and will continue to remain a part of the Unilever Leadership Executive (ULE), the global apex decision-making body of the company.
This appointment marks a significant moment in HUL’s illustrious history, as Priya becomes one of the few women to lead the company at the highest level.
A Journey Rooted in Purpose and Performance
Priya Nair’s journey with HUL began in 1995, and over the past three decades, she has held a series of influential leadership roles across Sales, Marketing, Home Care, Personal Care, and Beauty & Wellbeing. Her notable stints include serving as Executive Director, Home Care (2014–2020) and Executive Director, Beauty & Personal Care (2020–2022). In 2022, she was elevated to Global Chief Marketing Officer, Beauty & Wellbeing, and went on to become President of the division in 2023/2024, where she now oversees a global business worth €12–€13 billion.
Her appointment has been met with strong investor confidence, reflected in a 4–5% rise in HUL’s share price on Dalal Street. However, industry analysts also point to challenges ahead—HUL’s topline growth has been modest, with sales increasing only ~2% over the past two years, trailing competitors like Nestlé India. Priya is expected to lead with a renewed focus on premiumization, innovation, and distribution modernization, key levers to revive HUL’s competitive edge in India’s fast-evolving FMCG market.
Notably, Priya Nair becomes the first woman in HUL’s nearly 92-year history to hold both the CEO and MD positions. Her elevation also underscores a broader push toward gender diversity in Indian boardrooms, where women currently represent less than 20% of C-suite roles.
Priya’s return to India signals a bold and future-facing chapter for HUL—driven by a seasoned insider with deep category expertise and a proven global track record. Her leadership is set to play a pivotal role in shaping the company’s next wave of innovation-led, purpose-driven growth.
A Gracious Farewell to Rohit Jawa
Priya will succeed Rohit Jawa, who will step down as CEO and MD of HUL on 31st July 2025, concluding a remarkable chapter of leadership.
Rohit took the reins of HUL in 2023, and over his two-year tenure, he successfully steered the company through dynamic market shifts, delivering volume-led, competitive growth. He is credited with introducing the ‘ASPIRE’ strategy, a forward-looking blueprint that is enabling HUL to pivot toward high-growth, future-ready demand spaces across its portfolio and distribution channels.
With a 37-year legacy at Unilever, Rohit has held several high-impact global roles, including Executive Vice President – North Asia, Chair – Unilever China, and Chair – Unilever Philippines. His tenure is marked by exceptional performance and transformation across some of Unilever’s most strategic markets.
Looking Ahead
As HUL gears up for its next phase of innovation-led, inclusive growth, Priya Nair’s appointment signals a continued commitment to excellence, consumer-centricity, and leadership diversity. Her elevation also reflects Unilever’s confidence in HUL’s homegrown leadership talent to take on global and strategic responsibilities.
This leadership transition ensures that HUL remains well-positioned to drive purpose-led growth in one of the world’s most dynamic consumer markets.
Acknowledging Rohit’s invaluable contribution and visionary leadership, Nitin Paranjpe, Chairman HUL 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.”
Extending a warm welcome to Priya as she returns to India and re-joins HUL in a new leadership capacity, 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.”
