HUL announces Priya Nair as CEO and MD

Priya Nair, president of Unilever’s beauty and well-being division, has been appointed as Hindustan Unilever’s chief executive officer (CEO) and managing director (MD). She will also join the HUL Board, subject to necessary approvals, and remain a member of the Unilever Leadership Executive (ULE).

Rohit Jawa will step down as CEO and MD on 31 July 2025. He cited personal and professional reasons for his exit. Jawa took over as HUL’s CEO and MD in 2023. During his tenure, the company achieved volume-driven growth. He introduced the ‘Aspire’ strategy, which is driving HUL’s business to shift its portfolio and channels into high-growth demand spaces. 

Jawa has held a number of positions during his 37-year career, including executive vice president of North Asia Unilever, chair of Unilever China, as well as chair of Unilever Philippines.

Nitin Paranjpe, chairman of HUL, said, “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. The Company took decisive actions to sharpen the portfolio and further stepped up its market leadership over the last two years. I wish him the very best for the next chapter in his life.”

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.”

According to leading business sources, HUL’s shares rose approximately 4-5% after the company announced the appointment of Nair as CEO and MD. The market has reacted positively to the leadership continuity and internal transition, with investors encouraged by Nair’s extensive institutional expertise and record of generating brand-led development.

Nair joined HUL in 1995 and has held several roles in sales and marketing for divisions, including home care, beauty and wellness, and personal care. Her contributions led her to the position of executive director, home care at HUL from 2014 to 2020, followed by executive director, beauty and personal care at HUL from 2020 to 2022.  

In 2022, Sanjiv Mehta, former and then chairman and managing director, HUL, talking about Nair’s contribution to the business, said, “She has been an active champion for building future skills and experimentation, and has led several path-breaking marketing initiatives such as the Kan Khajura Tesan. Under her leadership, the business witnessed high growth in key categories driven by consumer-centric innovations and award-winning, purpose-driven communication.”

She went on to become Unilever’s global chief marketing officer for beauty and well-being. Currently, Nair is the president of beauty and well-being, HUL.