In a landmark appointment, Priya Nair has been named the new CEO and MD of Hindustan Unilever (HUL), effective August 1, 2025. She will succeed Rohit Jawa, becoming the first woman to lead the company in its 92-year history.
Nair began her journey at HUL in 1995, working across sales and marketing roles for brands like Dove and Rin. Over three decades, she held leadership roles including Executive Director, Home Care, and Global Chief Marketing Officer, Beauty & Wellbeing at Unilever. Most recently, she served as President, Beauty & Wellbeing, overseeing a €12 billion business globally.
A Sydenham College alumna with an MBA from Symbiosis Institute, Nair also completed executive programs at Harvard Business School. Known for combining creative brand strategy with deep consumer insight, she was instrumental in driving award-winning campaigns like ‘Kan Khajura Tesan’ and digital-led brand transformations.
The market responded positively-HUL shares rose nearly 4% post-announcement, reflecting investor confidence. Nitin Paranjpe, Chairman of HUL, said, “Priya brings deep knowledge of the Indian consumer and a proven global track record. She’s ideally placed to steer HUL’s next phase of growth.”
Nair’s appointment is more than symbolic-it signals HUL’s evolving focus on diversity, digital innovation, and premiumisation. With her local expertise and global perspective, Priya Nair is poised to redefine leadership in India’s consumer goods sector.
This historic shift places her among India’s top women business leaders, and marks a bold new chapter for HUL.
