Priya Nair Appointed as CEO & MD of HUL: A New Era Begins at Hindustan Unilever
Introduction: A Big Leadership Shift at HUL
In a major development in the Indian corporate world, Hindustan Unilever Limited (HUL) has officially announced the appointment of Priya Nair as its new CEO and Managing Director. She will take over from Rohit Jawa on August 1, 2025. This leadership change marks a significant moment not just for HUL, but also for the entire FMCG sector in India.
With nearly three decades of experience at HUL and Unilever, Priya Nair is well-known for her marketing brilliance, strategic leadership, and deep understanding of Indian consumer behavior. As she prepares to take charge of India’s largest consumer goods company, industry experts and stakeholders are optimistic about the direction HUL will take under her leadership.
Who is Priya Nair? A Look at Her Remarkable Journey
Priya Nair joined HUL in 1995 as a young professional in the sales and marketing department. Over the years, she worked across various divisions including Home Care, Beauty & Wellbeing, and Personal Care. Her leadership roles have been marked by innovation, digital transformation, and business growth.
Key Positions Held by Priya Nair at HUL and Unilever:
- 1995–2012: Sales and marketing roles across Home Care and Beauty & Personal Care
- 2012: Appointed to HUL Management Board for Beauty & Personal Care
- 2014–2020: Executive Director, Home Care, HUL
- 2020–2022: Executive Director, Beauty & Personal Care, HUL
- 2022–2023: Global Chief Marketing Officer, Beauty & Wellbeing
- 2023–Present: President, Beauty & Wellbeing (Unilever)
Currently based in London, Priya leads Unilever’s global €12 billion Beauty & Wellbeing division, which includes Hair Care, Skin Care, Prestige Beauty, and Health & Wellness. She is credited with building high-impact global brands, turning around underperforming businesses, and leading teams to strong commercial success.
A Trailblazer Among Women Leaders
Priya Nair is not just a successful executive, but also an inspiring figure among Indian businesswomen. She has consistently been listed among the most influential women in business in India. In addition to her corporate roles, she has served as:
- An Independent Director on a publicly listed Indian company board
- Member of ASCI (Advertising Standards Council of India)
- Part of various government-private partnership initiatives
- Leader in industry forums such as MMA India
Her inclusive leadership style and commitment to innovation have made her a respected name in the global FMCG industry.
What Makes Her the Right Choice for HUL’s Top Job?
With HUL being one of India’s most trusted consumer brands, choosing a CEO is a critical decision. According to HUL Chairman Nitin Paranjpe, Priya’s understanding of the Indian market, her excellent track record, and her strategic thinking make her the perfect leader to take HUL to the next level of growth and transformation.
As businesses worldwide become more digital, sustainable, and consumer-driven, Priya’s expertise in brand building, global marketing, and sustainability gives HUL a strong advantage for the future.
Rohit Jawa: A Legacy of Resilience and Strategic Growth
Rohit Jawa, the outgoing CEO and MD of HUL, will step down on July 31, 2025, after completing two impactful years in the role. He led the company through one of the most competitive and volatile market periods and delivered volume-led competitive growth.
Major Contributions of Rohit Jawa at HUL:
- Launched the ASPIRE strategy, focusing on future-ready products and digital channels
- Strengthened HUL’s portfolio in high-growth segments
- Boosted the company’s market leadership during tough times
Before joining HUL as CEO, Rohit held key leadership roles at Unilever globally, including:
- Executive Vice President, North Asia
- Chair, Unilever China
- Chair, Unilever Philippines
Chairman Nitin Paranjpe thanked Rohit for laying a strong foundation for the company and wished him well for his next professional chapter.
What Lies Ahead for HUL Under Priya Nair’s Leadership?
As Priya Nair returns to India to lead HUL, the company is expected to continue its strong focus on innovation, digital transformation, and sustainability. Her past achievements in revitalizing brands and creating consumer-centric strategies suggest that she will drive HUL toward:
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Accelerated product innovation in personal care, wellness, and beauty
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Expansion into digital and e-commerce channels
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Sustainable and inclusive growth models
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Strengthening brand equity across rural and urban India
With consumer behavior constantly evolving in India, Priya’s experience in understanding both local and global markets will be key in steering HUL through this dynamic landscape.
What Does This Leadership Change Mean for the FMCG Industry in India?
Leadership changes in major companies like HUL often signal broader shifts in the industry. With Priya Nair at the helm, we may see:
- Increased focus on women leaders in top corporate roles
- Greater emphasis on health, wellness, and sustainable living
- Enhanced digital marketing and D2C (direct-to-consumer) strategies
- Competitive pressure on other FMCG giants to rethink leadership pipelines
This appointment also reflects Unilever’s commitment to promoting from within, encouraging long-term talent development and loyalty.
Conclusion: A New Chapter Begins
The appointment of Priya Nair as CEO and MD of HUL is more than just a corporate reshuffle. It’s a sign of the changing times — where experience, innovation, and inclusivity come together to lead India’s most iconic FMCG company.
As she prepares to step into her new role in August 2025, all eyes will be on how she shapes the next phase of growth for Hindustan Unilever. With her vast experience and visionary approach, Priya Nair is set to lead HUL into a promising future.
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