Hindustan Unilever names Priya Nair as first woman CEO and MD, replaces Rohit Jawa

HUL

Hindustan Unilever Ltd (HUL) on Thursday announced the appointment of Priya Nair as its new Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director, effective August 1, 2025 — making her the first woman to lead the FMCG giant in its 92-year history. She is currently President, Beauty & Wellbeing, Unilever.

In an exchange filing, the FMCG major said that she replaces Rohit Jawa, who will step down as CEO and MD on July 31, 2025 to pursue the next chapter in his personal and professional journey.

Nair will be the first woman to be the first CEO and MD of HUL, and join the HUL Board, subject to necessary approvals, and continue to be a member of the Unilever Leadership Executive (ULE). Her appointment comes as the FMCG major is navigating the ongloing slowdown in the urban demand, boost in premiumisation and rising growth in rural areas.

"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," Hindustan Unilever Ltd (HUL) Chairman Nitin Paranjpe said.

She has earned her stripes across some of the most challenging consumer segments — from reviving HUL’s home care business in India to leading Unilever’s €12 billion global beauty & wellbeing division.

Nair joined HUL in 1995 and held several sales and marketing roles across home care, beauty & wellbeing, and personal care businesses.

Her significant contributions led her to become the Executive Director, Home Care, HUL, between 2014 and 2020, thereafter, the Executive Director, Beauty & Personal Care, HUL, from 2020 to 2022.

Subsequently, she went on to become the Global Chief Marketing Officer, Beauty & Wellbeing at Unilever. Since 2023, Nair has had a successful tenure as President of Beauty & Wellbeing, one of Unilever's fastest growing businesses.

Jawa took over as the CEO and MD of HUL in 2023.

During his tenure of over two years, the company delivered volume-led competitive growth, HUL stated.

"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," Paranjpe said.