In a landmark decision, FMCG major Hindustan Unilever Ltd (HUL), India, has appointed Priya Nair as its new Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director effective August 1, 2025. This marks the first time in its 92-year history that a woman will lead the company. Nair, with nearly three decades of experience at HUL, succeeds Rohit Jawa, who will step down on July 31, 2025.
Hindustan Unilever Ltd (HUL), India’s leading fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) company headquartered in Mumbai, Maharashtra, has announced the appointment of Priya Nair as its new Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director, effective August 1, 2025. With this, Nair becomes the first woman to lead HUL in its 92-year legacy.
Nair, who is currently the President of Unilever’s (Unilever) Beauty and Wellbeing division globally, brings with her nearly 30 years of experience at HUL. She holds degrees in marketing from the Symbiosis Institute of Business Management, Pune, and a business leadership credential from Harvard Business School.
She began her journey with HUL in 1995, contributing across sales and marketing roles, and played a key role in building brand equity for major household names like Dove, Rin, and Comfort.
Before her upcoming elevation, Nair served as Global Chief Marketing Officer and later as President of the Beauty and Wellbeing Division at Unilever, the parent company of HUL.
Nair will succeed Rohit Jawa, who steps down as CEO and MD on July 31, 2025, to explore new professional avenues. Jawa, who took the reins in 2023, led the company through a phase of volume-driven growth and enhanced competitiveness.
Brokerages including Nomura and Macquarie have welcomed the announcement. While Macquarie noted the short transition period, it acknowledged Nair’s in-depth understanding of the Indian market. Nomura highlighted that her leadership will be pivotal in driving digital transformation and strengthening the company’s position in the beauty segment, which has become a core focus area.
Nair’s appointment comes at a critical juncture for the FMCG industry in India, with rapidly changing consumer trends and intensifying competition. Analysts believe that her visionary leadership and global exposure will be instrumental in taking HUL into its next era of growth.
