Hindustan Unilever’s (HUL’s) MD & CEO Priya Nair took to LinkedIn on Friday, her first day in office, to share her thoughts on returning to the company as its leader. Nair, who was previously president of Unilever’s nearly $13-billion beauty and wellbeing business, was appointed HUL’s chief executive officer in a top-deck reshuffle last month. She had been based in London for the past two years in her Unilever role and recently moved back to Mumbai to take up her new position at HUL.
Describing HUL, which she joined in 1995, as her “alma mater,” Nair, 53, said the company was “well poised” to leverage the opportunities India presents and to partner in the nation’s growth journey.
“We have distinctive moats that will not only help us navigate the challenging and fast-transforming business environment today but also win in the future,” she said. “I look forward to an exciting journey ahead, powered by the inherent strengths of #HUL,” she wrote.
Strong quarterly results
HUL returned to the growth path in the June quarter of FY26, delivering consolidated volume growth of 4%—double the 2% growth seen in FY24 and FY25. On a standalone basis, it reported 3% volume growth, ahead of street estimates. Profit growth also exceeded expectations, though margins declined due to higher brand investments.
HUL’s shares extended their Thursday rally on Friday, rising as much as 8.2%—the most since June 5, 2024—after analysts upgraded their ratings following a stronger-than-expected quarterly profit. At least three brokerages, including Goldman Sachs, upgraded their outlook for the company. At least 17 analysts, including Jefferies and Citi, raised their price targets for the stock.
Aligned with global priorities and future focus
Nair is expected to hit the ground running, experts said, as she seeks to maintain the momentum achieved in the first quarter. Goldman Sachs said it saw HUL reporting a gradual recovery in volumes, supported by favourable macroeconomic fundamentals, a good monsoon, and benign food inflation.
On Thursday, Unilever’s CEO Fernando Fernandez outlined the company’s priorities, saying it would invest disproportionately in the US and India—its top two markets by revenue. He also said Unilever would sharpen its focus on beauty, well-being, and personal care, prioritising premium segments and digital commerce.
Nair is expected to align with these priorities as she begins work on achieving the targets laid out by Fernandez. HUL derives 37% of its revenue from home care, 21% from beauty & wellbeing, 15% from personal care, and 25% from foods. It crossed a turnover of ₹60,000 crore in FY25, contributing 12% to Unilever’s global revenue.
HUL expects commodity prices to remain benign and price-led growth to be in the low single digits in FY26. The company is likely to focus more on boosting volume growth, driving accessible pack formats of its premium brands, and tapping into new demand spaces.