HUL Appoints First Woman CEO in 92-Year History
In a landmark move, Hindustan Unilever Ltd (HUL) has named Priya Nair as its next Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director. Her appointment is a historic first for the 92-year-old company, as she becomes the first woman to lead the consumer goods giant.
Nair will take over the role from the current CEO, Rohit Jawa, on August 1, 2025. This transition marks a significant moment for HUL and the broader Indian corporate landscape.
Three-Decade Journey with the Company
Priya Nair is a true HUL veteran, with a career spanning three decades. She joined the company in 1995 as a management trainee and has since held numerous leadership positions across various divisions, including home care, beauty, and personal care.
Her deep understanding of the Indian market and consumer behavior has been a cornerstone of her success. Over the years, she has led marketing for major brands like Dove and Rin and served as the Executive Director for the Homecare and later the Beauty & Personal Care divisions in South Asia.
Her impressive track record in India led to her elevation to a global role. She currently serves as the President of Beauty & Wellbeing at Unilever, one of the company's fastest-growing global businesses.
New Chapter in HUL
HUL Chairman Nitin Paranjpe praised Nair's outstanding career and expressed confidence in her ability to lead the company to its next level of performance. Her appointment is seen as a strategic move to leverage her extensive experience and deep market insights.
Nair succeeds Rohit Jawa, who led the company through a challenging market environment. Her leadership will be crucial as HUL continues to navigate the evolving consumer landscape in India. This appointment is a big moment for gender diversity and proves HUL's commitment to promoting its own people to the highest leadership roles.
