Hindustan Unilever Limited (HUL) has recently announced the elevation of Priya Nair as its next Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director, effective 1st August 2025. Nair, who currently serves as President, Beauty & Wellbeing at Unilever, will also join the HUL Board, subject to regulatory approvals, while continuing as a member of the Unilever Leadership Executive (ULE).
Nair, a seasoned HUL professional with three decades of experience, joined the company in 1995 and has since held a variety of leadership roles across the Home Care, Personal Care, and Beauty & Wellbeing categories. From 2014 to 2020, she served as Executive Director – Home Care, before taking over as Executive Director – Beauty & Personal Care until 2022. Her ascent to Global Chief Marketing Officer, Beauty & Wellbeing at Unilever and later President of the same division marked her rise as one of the company’s most influential leaders globally.
Under her stewardship, Unilever’s Beauty & Wellbeing business has emerged as one of its fastest-growing verticals, demonstrating her ability to drive innovation, scale, and consumer engagement at a global level.
The leadership transition follows the upcoming exit of Rohit Jawa, who will step down as CEO and MD of HUL on 31st July 2025. Jawa, who assumed leadership in 2023, is credited with introducing the ‘ASPIRE’ strategy a transformational roadmap aimed at realigning HUL’s portfolio and channels with high-growth demand spaces. Under his leadership, the company achieved volume-led competitive growth despite challenging macroeconomic conditions.
Jawa’s 37-year journey within Unilever included several high-impact roles such as EVP – North Asia, Chair of Unilever China, and Chair of Unilever Philippines, where he delivered strong business results across diverse and complex markets.
Nitin Paranjpe, Chairman, HUL, expressed gratitude for Rohit’s leadership and welcomed Priya’s return to India. “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,” he said. “The company took decisive actions to sharpen the portfolio and further stepped up its market leadership over the last two years.”
On Nair’s appointment, Paranjpe added, “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.”
Nair’s appointment marks a significant milestone not just for HUL, but also for leadership representation in Indian corporate circles, reinforcing Unilever’s continued commitment to nurturing high-potential talent and enabling cross-border leadership progression.
