Hindustan Unilever Limited (HUL) has appointed Priya Nair as its first female Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director, with effect from August 1, 2025. This groundbreaking leadership change is expected to steer the company through a critical period of evolving consumer demands and increasing market challenges.
Breaking the Glass Ceiling at HUL
Priya Nair’s appointment marks a significant milestone in HUL’s 90-year history. She will succeed Rohit Jawa, who will step down on July 31 after serving just two years of his five-year term. Jawa cited personal and professional reasons for his early departure.
A Veteran with Global Credentials
Nair, currently the President of Beauty & Wellbeing at Unilever, has been associated with HUL since 1995. Over nearly three decades, she has held several senior roles, including:
- Executive Director, Home Care (2014–2020)
- Executive Director, Beauty & Personal Care (2020–2022)
In 2022, she moved into a global role as Chief Marketing Officer, and since 2023, has led one of Unilever’s fastest-growing verticals, managing a portfolio worth €13 billion.
New Role, New Responsibilities
In addition to assuming leadership of HUL, Nair will also be inducted into the HUL Board, pending regulatory clearances. She will continue to serve as part of the Unilever Leadership Executive (ULE), reflecting her global influence within the parent organization.
HUL Chairman Nitin Paranjpe praised Nair’s leadership:
“Priya has had an outstanding career in HUL and Unilever. With her in-depth knowledge of the Indian market and proven track record, I’m confident she will take HUL to new heights.”
Leadership Transition Amid Market Headwinds
Nair’s elevation comes at a pivotal moment for HUL. The company is grappling with:
- Sluggish consumer demand
- Rising living costs
- Intense competition from domestic upstarts and global players
Key business segments such as beauty, packaged foods, and tea have seen flat or declining performance, creating urgency for strategic realignment.
Analyst Expectations: Strategic Shift on the Horizon
Industry experts view Nair’s return as a potential inflection point. While Rohit Jawa delivered volume-driven growth, critics argue HUL has underperformed in high-potential categories like beauty and personal care.
“HUL hasn’t kept pace in building its beauty and personal care segment,” noted Akshay D’Souza, an independent marketing consultant. “Nair’s experience makes her the ideal candidate to lead that turnaround.”
Market watchers believe her expertise in brand innovation and consumer engagement will be crucial as HUL accelerates its ASPIRE programme, aimed at reviving growth and introducing more Unilever global brands to Indian consumers.
Market Reaction: Positive Investor Sentiment
News of Nair’s appointment sparked investor optimism. On Friday, HUL shares rose by 4.43%, opening at ₹2,508, up from the previous close of ₹2,407.
Brokerages like Citi Research and Jefferies highlighted her strong credentials and signaled interest in any strategic refresh under her leadership. Analysts also noted that HUL may increasingly leverage Unilever’s international brand portfolio to bolster its market presence in beauty, soaps, foods, and packaged tea.
Priya Nair’s appointment signals more than just a leadership change — it reflects HUL’s intent to transform amid a dynamic market. With her deep roots in both the Indian and global consumer landscape, her leadership could redefine the company’s future trajectory in one of the world’s most competitive FMCG markets.
