Hindustan Unilever Ltd (HUL) has announced the appointment of Priya Nair as its next Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director. She will assume the role on August 1, 2025, succeeding Rohit Jawa, who is set to step down on July 31, 2025. With this transition, Nair will become the first woman to lead the FMCG giant in its 92-year history.

Subject to regulatory clearances, Nair will also join the HUL Board and continue to serve on the Unilever Leadership Executive (ULE), reinforcing her role in shaping the global strategy of the consumer goods major.

A Three-Decade Journey With Unilever

Priya Nair’s professional journey with HUL began in 1995. Over the past three decades, she has held a wide range of leadership positions across multiple divisions, including home care, beauty, and personal care. Her early responsibilities included roles such as Consumer Insights Manager and Brand Manager for key brands like Dove, Rin, and Comfort.

She later took on critical roles in customer development and product management, including overseeing the oral care and deodorants segments. Her leadership capabilities were evident in her tenure as General Manager for Customer Development in HUL’s western region, followed by her elevation to Executive Director and CCVP for Homecare, and eventually for Beauty & Personal Care in South Asia.

In recognition of her contributions, Nair was promoted to Global Chief Marketing Officer for Unilever’s Beauty & Wellbeing division in 2022. In 2023, she became President of the same global business unit.

Academic Credentials And Industry Recognition

Nair holds a Bachelor of Commerce in Accounts & Statistics from Sydenham College of Commerce and Economics and an MBA in Marketing from Symbiosis Institute of Business Management, Pune. She has also completed an executive program in Business Administration and Management from Harvard Business School.

Leadership Transition And Endorsement

Chairman Nitin Paranjpe commended her performance, saying, “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.”

She will be taking over from Rohit Jawa, who has led HUL since 2023. During his tenure, the company navigated a complex business environment, achieving volume-driven growth despite economic challenges and tepid demand in some sectors. According to HUL’s official exchange filing, Jawa is stepping down to explore other professional and personal pursuits.