Hindustan Unilever Ltd (HUL) has made history by appointing Priya Nair as its new Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, effective August 1, 2025. This groundbreaking move marks her as the first female leader in the company’s 92-year legacy, succeeding Rohit Jawa, who will step down on July 31, 2025, after leading HUL since 2023.

The board has confirmed that Nair will serve a five-year term and will also be inducted onto HUL’s board, pending regulatory approval.

From Trainee to Top Leadership

Priya Nair’s journey is a story of steady ascent and diverse experience within the FMCG giant:

• She joined HUL in 1995 as a Consumer Insights Manager.
• Progressing through brand- and marketing roles by 2004, she became General Manager by 2007 and later took charge of the Western region by 2009.
• Between 2014–2020, she served as Executive Director of the Home Care business.
• From 2020–2022, she headed Beauty & Personal Care across South Asia.
• Promoted in 2023, she became Global Chief Marketing Officer and later President of Unilever’s Beauty & Wellbeing division, overseeing a €12 billion portfolio.

This three-decade-long trajectory across sales, marketing, home care, beauty, and global leadership underscores her deep expertise within HUL and its parent company, Unilever.

Academic Credentials and Global Vision

Nair’s academic profile reinforces her business acumen:

• B.Com in Accounting & Statistics from Sydenham College (1987–1992),
• MBA in Marketing from Symbiosis Institute of Business Management, Pune (1992–1994).
• Further studies in Business Administration and Management at Harvard Business School.

She currently resides in London as part of Unilever’s global leadership executive, reflecting a strong international outlook.

Breaking the Glass Ceiling

Nair’s elevation is a major milestone for gender diversity in corporate India:

• She is among a very small group of women heading major Indian corporations, fewer than 20% of C-suite roles in India are held by women.
• This appointment is set against a backdrop of persistent gender inequality in leadership positions. A recent McKinsey report highlights the barriers of limited advancement opportunities, low recruitment, and high attrition among women.

Strategic Timing and Market Response

• Nair will assume charge on August 1, while Rohit Jawa exits on July 31, concluding his two-year term.
• The announcement had an immediate positive effect on investor sentiment. HUL shares skyrocketed by up to 4.5%, reaching ₹2,518.65 on BSE, signaling strong confidence from the market.
• Brokerages are bullish-Nomura maintained a “buy” rating, citing Nair’s margin-driving track record in home care and beauty categories.
• Global promoters Macquarie and Goldman Sachs echoed this optimism. Macquarie highlighted India’s importance as an “anchor market” and backed Nair’s India-specific credentials, while Jefferies noted the need for a renewed growth focus under her leadership.

Looking Ahead: Challenges and Goals

Nair steps into the CEO position as HUL grapples with:

• Modest 2% volume growth in FY 2025-a trend that has persisted for six years.
• Competitive pressures from D2C startups and evolving consumer preferences.
• A strategic need to modernise distribution and rejuvenate legacy brands such as Horlicks.

Her mandate is clear:

1. Boost growth through innovation, premiumisation, and modernization.
2. Revive market share in key categories from soaps and beauty to beverages.
3. Defend profits while investing in brand and portfolio expansions.

Board and Industry Backing

HUL’s board, led by Chairman Nitin Paranjpe, has expressed full faith in Nair’s credentials:

“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.” 

Board approval for her induction is underway, and as a member of Unilever’s Leadership Executive, she will play a pivotal role in global strategy.

In Retrospect: A Milestone for Inclusion

From her beginnings as a trainee to leading multiple divisions, and now helming HUL, Priya Nair’s appointment symbolizes both personal accomplishment and corporate transformation. As India’s FMCG powerhouse enters this new chapter, all eyes will be on her ability to drive innovation, growth, and inclusivity.

By – Sonali