Hindustan Unilever (HUL) has named Priya Nair as its next Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director. Her appointment marks a significant milestone in the company’s history, as no woman has held the top post at HUL before.
She will take charge on August 1, replacing Rohit Jawa, who is stepping down on July 31. Jawa took over the role in 2023, and his resignation comes well before completing his five-year term, to pursue the next chapter of his personal and professional journey.
Who is Priya Nair- making the history at HUL
Nair is currently President of Beauty & Wellbeing at Unilever, the parent company of HUL. Her journey at HUL began in 1995 and has held several leadership roles across Home Care, Beauty & Wellbeing, and Personal Care businesses.
She was appointed Executive Director, Home Care, HUL, from 2014 to 2020, and later served as Executive Director, Beauty & Personal Care, HUL, between 2020 and 2022.
She then moved into a global role as Chief Marketing Officer of Beauty & Wellbeing at Unilever and, since 2023, has been serving as President of the division — one of Unilever’s fastest-growing businesses, managing a portfolio worth 13 billion euros.
Priya Nair to join HUL Board, pending approvals
Along with her new responsibilities, Nair will also join the Board of HUL, subject to necessary approvals. She will continue to be a member of the Unilever Leadership Executive (ULE), reflecting her importance within the global organisation.
“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,” said HUL Chairman Nitin Paranjpe.
Analysts expect strategic shift under new leadership
Priya Nair’s return to India and her appointment as MD & CEO of Hindustan Unilever (HUL) come at a pivotal moment for the FMCG giant, which is navigating slowing consumer demand, rising living costs, and intensified competition from both domestic and global players. The company has struggled to maintain momentum across key categories such as beauty, packaged foods, and tea — areas that are increasingly being challenged by agile home-grown brands and premium international entrants.
During Rohit Jawa’s tenure, HUL delivered volume-led competitive growth. However, analysts note that the company’s performance in its beauty and personal care segment has lagged behind industry peers.
“HUL has had a tough time in being able to build their beauty and personal care portfolio under Rohit Jawa’s tenure and has lagged the industry in this space,” said Akshay D’Souza, an independent marketing consultant, according to PTI. He added that Nair, with her past experience, is best suited for the role.
Market watchers believe Nair’s deep experience in brand building and innovation will be instrumental as HUL bets on its ASPIRE programme to revive growth and possibly introduce more Unilever global brands in India.
According to Reuters, Citi Research noted that Nair “comes with a strong track record,” adding that it would monitor for any strategic refresh following a period of relatively “tough performance” by HUL.
Jefferies also observed that the company may need to leverage its global brand portfolio to strengthen its position in the beauty, foods, soaps, and packaged tea segments, where it is currently facing increased pressure.
Share price of HUL
After the announcement on late Thursday, the share price of HUL surged nearly 4.43 per cent on Friday. The stock opened at Rs 2,508, up 4.23 per cent from the previous close of Rs 2,407.