Hindustan Unilever Limited (HUL) has the distinct honor of becoming the first consumer goods company in India to have Priya Nair serve as Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer. Effective August 1, 2025, Nair will be the first woman to head HUL in its 92-year existence, signaling the start of a new era in Indian women’s corporate leadership.
A trailblazing career
In 1995, Priya Nair, 53, began her career with HUL as a management trainee after receiving her MBA from Symbiosis Institute of Business Management, Pune. Over the past three decades, she has continuously proved herself as a progressive, high-level visionary leader.
Key milestones in Priya Nair’s HUL journey
- 1995–2012
Served in different sales and marketing roles in Home Care and Beauty & Personal Care, gaining tremendous knowledge of consumer-driven business strategy.
- 2012
Made a member of the HUL Management Board with responsibility for the Beauty & Personal Care business.
- 2014
Confirmed as Executive Director, Home Care, where she promoted innovation in products and operational effectiveness, driving a major business turnaround.
- 2021
Promoted to Executive Director & EVP – South Asia, Beauty & Personal Care, leading brand value and consumer connection across the region.
- 2022
Commenced the international responsibilities of Chief Marketing Officer, Beauty & Wellbeing; synergies across divisions were at full capacity.
- 2023
As President of the Beauty & Wellbeing division, I manage a portfolio of €13.2 billion, including Dove, Sunsilk, Clear, and Vaseline.
- 2024
Her global leadership credentials were further cemented with her appointment as Business Group President, Beauty & Wellbeing.
Leadership change
Rohit Jawa steps down as MD & CEO on July 31, 2025, after two years of strategic shifts and growth, and Priya Nair takes over. Jawa's sustained growth approach, coupled with strategic pivots and Nair's extensive experience in brand building, business transformation, and global strategy, makes her appointment well-received.
Crux
- Her appointment makes her the first woman to hold the title of CEO in the 92-year history of HUL
- A new milestone for corporate India and the strides made towards gender diversity
- She has a wealth of knowledge in marketing, innovation, and international business