Priya Nair Named HUL’s First Woman CEO & MD

Hindustan Unilever Limited (HUL) has appointed Priya Nair as its next Managing Director and CEO, making her the first woman to hold the position in the company’s 92-year history. She succeeds Rohit Jawa, who will step down on July 31, 2025, after serving less than two years.

🌟 Career Highlights

Joined HUL in 1995 and held various roles in sales and marketing across the Home Care, Beauty & Wellbeing, and Personal Care divisions
Served as Executive Director, Home Care (2014–2020), driving a notable 570 bps increase in segment EBIT margins, followed by a leadership role in Beauty & Personal Care (2020–2022)
Elevated to Global Chief Marketing Officer, Beauty & Wellbeing in 2022, and subsequently President of that division in 2023, overseeing a €13 billion portfolio.


🎓 Education & Personal Background
Earned a B.Com (Accounts & Statistics) from Sydenham College, Mumbai, followed by an MBA in Marketing from Symbiosis Institute of Business Management, Pune
Also completed a management programme at Harvard Business School
Born in Kolhapur to Malayalee parents, raised in Mumbai, and currently based in London. She is married and has one daughter.


📊 Market Reaction & Strategic Outlook
HUL shares climbed 4–5% in response to the announcement—reaching approximately ₹2,521.50—highlighting strong investor sentiment.
Analysts praised Nair’s proven growth and margin-driving track record, especially from her time in Home Care, and see her appointment as a catalyst for revitalizing HUL’s performance in beauty and personal care This appointment also marks progress in gender diversity: women hold less than 20% of C-suite roles in India, making Nair’s ascent especially noteworthy.


🔍 What to Watch
August 1, 2025: Nair assumes the role for a five-year term
She is expected to join the HUL Board, pending regulatory approval, and will remain on the Unilever Leadership Executive team Her mandate includes steering growth through premiumisation, innovation, digital acceleration, and leveraging her deep insight into the Indian consumer.


Priya Nair’s appointment as HUL’s MD & CEO is a landmark moment rooted in decades of experience, strong execution capabilities, and a commitment to diversity. Under her leadership, HUL aims to regain momentum in key categories, strengthen margins, and lead with purpose-driven strategies.