In a first, Hindustan Unilever appoints Priya Nair as its first woman MD and CEO

New Delhi (India) July 11: Hindustan Unilever Ltd. (HUL) has made a historic first in its 92-year history by appointing Priya Nair as its next managing director and chief executive officer.

The company said, "The appointment of Priya Nair as the MD & CEO will be subject to approval of shareholders and other statutory approvals as may be applicable" in a statement.

On July 31, 2025, Rohit Jawa will step down, and she will succeed him. The appointment of Nair will take effect on August 1, 2025.

FIRST FEMALE MD AND CEO

Priya Nair becomes the first female CEO and MD of HUL with this decision. She will continue to serve as a member of the Unilever Leadership Executive (ULE). She will also join the HUL Board pending the required approvals. 

Nair currently works for Unilever as President, Beauty & Wellbeing, one of the company's fastest-growing international businesses.

COMPANY STATEMENT 

Nitin Paranjpe, Chairman of Hindustan Unilever said, “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” in a company statement. He appreciates Nair for her excellent track record at the company.

Nair replaces Rohit Jawa, who has been HUL's MD and CEO since 2023. The company experienced volume-led growth under Jawa's direction. The company navigated through a difficult market characterised by a slow recovery in discretionary categories and muted urban demand.

According to HUL's exchange filing, Jawa is leaving to pursue other opportunities in both his personal and professional life.

JOURNEY TO MD AND CEO

Since joining HUL in 1995, Nair has held a number of executive positions in the personal care, beauty, and home care sectors. She held positions as Consumer Insights Manager and Brand Manager for important brands such as Comfort, Rin, and Dove in her early career.

She started out as the laundry company's marketing manager before rising to oversee customer development, deodorants and oral care.

Priya Nair also worked as HUL's western region's general manager for customer development. She went on to hold executive director and CCVP positions for Homecare and later Beauty & Personal Care in South Asia.

Nair's impressive record in India helped her gain international recognition. She joined Unilever's Beauty & Wellbeing division in 2022 as Global Chief Marketing Officer. In 2023 she was promoted to division president.

PRIYA'S EDUCATIONAL QUALIFICATION 

Priya Nair graduated from Sydenham College of Commerce and Economics in 1987 with a Bachelor of Commerce (BCom) in Accounts & Statistics. From 1992 to 1994, she pursued an MBA in Marketing at the Symbiosis Institute of Business Management in Pune. She then enrolled in the Business Administration and Management program at Harvard Business School.

Aadrika Tayal