Priya Nair Named First Woman CEO and MD of Hindustan Unilever, Effective August 1
Hindustan Unilever Ltd (HUL) has named Priya Nair as its new Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, effective August 1, 2025.
She will become the first woman to lead India’s largest fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) company. Nair will take over from Rohit Jawa, who is stepping down after a two-year tenure as CEO and MD.
Currently serving as President of Beauty & Wellbeing at Unilever, Nair will assume her new position for a five-year term. She will also join the HUL Board, pending necessary approvals, and continue her role as a member of the Unilever Leadership Executive.
A Historic Appointment
With over two decades at HUL and Unilever, Nair’s appointment marks a milestone for the company.
HUL Chairman Nitin Paranjpe stated, “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.”
Early Life and Education
Born in Kolhapur to Malayalee parents and raised in Mumbai, Priya Nair holds a B.Com in Accounts and Statistics from Sydenham College.
She later completed her MBA in Marketing from Symbiosis Institute of Business Management, Pune. Nair also attended a management program at Harvard Business School.
Career Journey at HUL and Unilever
Priya Nair began her career at Hindustan Unilever in 1995 as a Consumer Insights Manager. In 1998, she became Brand Manager for major products including Dove, Rin, and Comfort.
She was promoted to Marketing Manager in 2004 and then General Manager in 2007. In 2009, she was appointed General Manager for HUL’s western region.
Nair went on to serve as Executive Director for Home Care and later as Executive Director, Beauty & Personal Care for South Asia. In 2022, she became Global Chief Marketing Officer, Beauty & Wellbeing at Unilever.
By 2023, she had been promoted to President, Beauty & Wellbeing, overseeing a €13 billion global portfolio.
Her role spans across hair care, skin care, health and wellbeing, and prestige beauty products in more than 20 countries.
She has also served on the board of a listed Indian company, been part of the Advertising Standards Council of India (ASCI), and led industry forums such as MMA India.
Transition of Leadership
Rohit Jawa, who took over as HUL’s CEO and MD in 2023, will step down on July 31, 2025, to pursue new personal and professional opportunities.
Jawa spent 37 years with the company, including roles as Executive Vice President, North Asia; Chair, Unilever China; and Chair, Unilever Philippines.
Under his leadership, HUL delivered volume-led competitive growth and launched the ‘ASPIRE’ strategy to reshape its portfolio and channels toward high-growth demand segments.
HUL Chairman Nitin Paranjpe remarked, “On behalf of the board of HUL, I would like to thank Rohit for leading the business through tough market conditions and strengthening its foundations for success.”
A Legacy of Impact and Innovation
During her tenure as Executive Director, Home Care at HUL (2014–2020), Nair led business transformation through sustainability, value innovation, and cost-efficiency.
As Executive Director of Beauty & Personal Care (2020–2022), she further elevated the company’s growth in a competitive sector.
Nair was among the first Indian-origin women to join the Unilever Leadership Executive globally. Since becoming President of Beauty & Wellbeing in 2023, she has been at the helm of one of Unilever’s fastest-growing business segments.
Looking Ahead
Currently based in London, Priya Nair is married and has one daughter. As she steps into her new role, her deep experience in consumer insights, strategic marketing, and brand innovation positions her to steer HUL through its next growth phase.
With her appointment, HUL not only continues its legacy of leadership excellence but also breaks new ground by appointing its first woman CEO, reflecting the company’s evolving approach to diversity and inclusive leadership.
