In what can only be called a strategic move in global corporate leadership, Procter & Gamble (P&G) recently announced that Mr. Shailesh G. Jejurikar will be taking over as the company’s President and CEO from 1st January 2026. As the current COO (Chief Operating Officer), this landmark move is not just beneficial for P&G but also a win for Indian-origin professionals worldwide.
He is the first Indian and the second non-US-born CEO of the company in its 187-year history. But who exactly is Mr. Shailesh Jejurikar? And what makes his journey to the top of one of the world’s most influential consumer goods companies so remarkable? Let’s take a look.
Shailesh Jejurikar – Biography
| Name | Shailesh G. Jejurikar |
|---|---|
| Place of Origin | Mumbai, India |
| Current Role | Chief Operating Officer (P&G) |
| Incoming Role | President & CEO, Procter & Gamble (effective Jan 1, 2026) |
| Education | BA in Economics – Elphinstone College (Mumbai University); MBA – IIM Lucknow |
Shailesh Jejurikar at a Glance
Shailesh Jejurikar – Early Life & Education
Shailesh Jejurikar – The P&G Journey – 35+ Years of Growth
Shailesh Jejurikar – Becoming COO – A Launchpad to the CEO Role
Shailesh Jejurikar – The Incoming CEO – What Lies Ahead
Shailesh Jejurikar – The Man Building a Legacy
Shailesh Jejurikar at a Glance
- Name: Shailesh G. Jejurikar
- Place of Origin: Mumbai, India
- Current Role: Chief Operating Officer (P&G)
- Incoming Role: President & CEO, Procter & Gamble (effective Jan 1, 2026)
- Education: BA in Economics – Elphinstone College (Mumbai University); MBA – IIM Lucknow
- P&G Entry: July 1, 1989, as Assistant Brand Manager, India
- Notable Alumni: Hyderabad Public School (also attended by Satya Nadella, CEO of Microsoft)
- Years at P&G: 35+
- Significance: First Indian-origin CEO of P&G; joins the elite club of Indian global CEOs
Shailesh Jejurikar – Early Life & Education
Shailesh Jejurikar was born and raised in rural Mumbai, India. He pursued his undergraduate studies in Economics from Elphinstone College, University of Mumbai, and followed it up with an MBA from the Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Lucknow, graduating in 1989.
Shailesh Jejurikar – The P&G Journey – 35+ Years of Growth
Jejurikar joined P&G India in 1989 as an Assistant Brand Manager. But over the next three decades, he took on a variety of leadership assignments across multiple regions, including India, ASEAN, Africa, Europe, and North America.
He is among the rare executives who have led nearly every major consumer category at P&G, including:
- Fabric and Home Care (Tide, Ariel, Downy)
- Feminine Care
- Health and Oral Care
- Professional Products
Jejurikar’s global experience helped him understand consumer behavior in both emerging and developed markets, making him an invaluable asset in the company’s strategic growth plans.
Archana Karthikeyan
Shailesh Jejurikar – Becoming COO – A Launchpad to the CEO Role
In October 2021, Jejurikar was appointed as Chief Operating Officer (COO), a move that put him in charge of:
- P&G Enterprise Markets (operations in 100+ countries)
- Global Supply Chain Transformation
- Digital & Tech-Led Innovation
- Operational Excellence & Efficiency
During his tenure as COO, he demonstrated a strong ability to navigate complex supply chains, streamline operations post-pandemic, and drive P&G’s global expansion without compromising on sustainability and innovation.
His performance as COO is widely regarded as the most influential factor behind his promotion to CEO.
Shailesh Jejurikar – The Incoming CEO – What Lies Ahead
On January 1, 2026, Jejurikar will replace Jon R. Moeller, who will transition into the role of Executive Chairman. The board’s decision underscores P&G’s desire for continuity, stability, and global insight at the top.
This change comes during a time when the company is:
- Implementing a large-scale restructuring plan, including 7,000 global job cuts
- Expanding into digitally-native markets
- Increasing its focus on sustainable innovation
- Battling rising raw material costs and supply chain disruptions
As Shailesh Jejurikar takes steps into his role of President and CEO, he will be implementing P&G’s idea of an ‘Integrated Growth Strategy’ that will focus on three key priorities:
- Optimizing Portfolio: Sailesh plans to refine P&G’s branding portfolio to concentrate on high-growth markets with potential divestitures and strategic exits, especially for long-term profitability.
- Organizational agility: He is committed to creating a highly adaptive organization that can innovate and respond to the evolving consumer requirements and shifts in the market.
- Managing the supply chain efficiently: When improving the supply chain agility, he intends to improve cost-effectiveness in operations, balancing the overall growth with operational discipline.
Based on these factors, his leadership will place emphasis on increasing P&G’s global sustainable goals and integrating environmental and social impact in business practices. With his extensive knowledge, he will tap into the growth opportunities in areas like India, where there is a demand for consumer goods.
Shailesh Jejurikar – The Man Building a Legacy
Shailesh Jejurikar’s growth to the helm of P&G is not just an achievement on a personal level but also reflects the company’s commitment to innovation, diversity, and sustainability. His career growth will highlight not only his excellent leadership but also his understanding of the global market and consumer needs.
Even though there are multiple challenges ahead, Jejurikar’s vision, experience, and people-first leadership style will not only build but also reshape P&G’s future. As the company grows, Shailesh Jejurikar is in a position to lead the company into a new generation of innovation and growth.
FAQs
Who is Shailesh Jejurikar?
Shailesh Jejurikar is the incoming President and CEO of Procter & Gamble (P&G), set to take over from January 1, 2026. He is currently the company’s Chief Operating Officer and will become the first Indian-origin CEO in P&G’s 187-year history.
What is Shailesh Jejurikar’s educational background?
He holds a BA in Economics from Elphinstone College, University of Mumbai, and an MBA from the Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Lucknow, graduating in 1989.
How long has Shailesh Jejurikar worked at P&G?
He has been with P&G for over 35 years, joining the company in 1989 as an Assistant Brand Manager in India and rising through global leadership roles across multiple markets.
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