HUL (Hindustan Unilever Ltd), India’s top FMCG company, has announced Priya Nair as its new CEO and MD. She will officially take charge on August 1, 2025. Nair becomes the first woman to hold this top position in HUL’s long history, which marks a major step for leadership diversity in the Indian corporate world.
She takes over from Rohit Jawa, who will step down as CEO and MD on July 31, 2025. HUL confirmed that Jawa is moving on to explore the next phase of his personal and professional life after serving the company in this role since 2023.
Nair’s Experience and Role
Currently, Nair serves as President of Beauty & Wellbeing at Unilever and has been appointed CEO and MD of HUL for a term of five years. Along with her new position, she will also join the HUL Board, subject to regulatory approvals, while continuing to be part of the global Unilever Leadership Executive.
HUL Chairman Nitin Paranjpe praised Nair’s deep understanding of the Indian market and her successful track record. He expressed confidence in her ability to elevate HUL to new levels of performance and growth.
About Priya Nair
Priya Nair joined Hindustan Unilever in 1995 and has since held several leadership roles across marketing and sales. She has worked in segments such as personal care, beauty, wellbeing, and home care. Her consistent performance earned her the role of Executive Director of Home Care (2014–2020) and later of Beauty & Personal Care (2020–2022) at HUL.
She was also appointed Global Chief Marketing Officer for Unilever’s Beauty & Wellbeing division. Since 2023, she has led the entire Beauty & Wellbeing business globally, one of Unilever’s fastest growing units, strengthening her experience for the top job at HUL.
Jawa’s Tenure and Transition
During Rohit Jawa’s leadership of over two years, HUL witnessed competitive growth despite challenging market conditions. The company managed to grow its volumes and strengthen its market leadership position by reshaping its product portfolio and making strong business moves.
HUL’s Board thanked Jawa for his valuable contribution, stating that he laid a strong foundation for the company’s future success. With this smooth leadership transition, HUL enters a new chapter under Priya Nair’s experienced and progressive leadership.
