Hindustan Unilever appoints Priya Nair as MD and CEO, to become the first woman to lead the company

Hindustan Unilever Ltd (HUL) has announced the appointment of Priya Nair as its new Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, effective August 1, 2025. The company’s board approved Nair’s appointment for a five-year term. She will be the first woman to lead the FMCG major in its history.

Nair will succeed Rohit Jawa, who is stepping down from the role at the close of business on July 31, 2025, following a mutual agreement with the board. His exit marks one of the shortest tenures in the company's top role, ending after just two years. The last comparable short stint was by Douglas Baillie, who served as MD & CEO from 2006 to 2008.

Nair currently serves as Business Group President – Beauty & Wellbeing at Unilever, managing a €13 billion portfolio across global markets. A Unilever veteran with nearly three decades of experience, she has previously held key roles within HUL, including Executive Director for Home Care and Beauty & Personal Care. She has also served as Global Chief Marketing Officer for Beauty & Wellbeing, where she led digital and brand transformation initiatives.

Jawa, who took over as MD & CEO in June 2023, exits after steering the company through a period of economic headwinds and shifting consumption trends. His tenure saw the launch of the ‘ASPIRE’ strategy aimed at driving competitive growth and reshaping HUL’s portfolio. He had previously led Unilever’s businesses in China and the Philippines over his 37-year career with the group.

The transition will be effective from August 1, 2025.

The move comes amid a broader backdrop, including ongoing changes at the global parent as well. Unilever’s global CEO Hein Schumacher also stepped down in March 2025, less than two years into his role.

The shares of the company ended 0.68% in the red on Thursday (July 10). The stock has gained 3.66% year-to-date.

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