In a landmark move in its 92-year history, Hindustan Unilever Ltd. (HUL) has appointed Priya Nair as its next managing director. On July 31, 2025, Rohit Jawa will step down, and she will succeed him.
The appointment of Nair will take effect on August 1, 2025. This action makes Priya Nair the first female CEO and MD of HUL. In addition, she will continue to serve as a member of the Unilever Leadership Executive (ULE) and is expected to join the HUL Board, provided that the requisite approvals are obtained.
At Unilever, one of the company’s fastest-growing international businesses, she presently holds the position of President, Beauty & Wellbeing.
Professional Journey of Nair
Since joining HUL in 1995, Nair has held a number of executive positions in the personal care, beauty, and home care sectors. Among her first positions were those of Consumer Insights Manager and Brand Manager for important brands like Comfort, Rin, and Dove.
She started off as the laundry company’s marketing manager before rising to oversee client development, deodorants, and oral care. Prior to taking on leadership positions as Executive Director and CCVP for Homecare and later Beauty & Personal Care in South Asia, she was the General Manager for Customer Development for HUL’s western area.
Nair rose in the world as a result of her impressive record in India. She joined Unilever’s Beauty & Wellbeing division in 2022 as Global Chief Marketing Officer, and in 2023 she was promoted to division president.
From Classrooms to Career: The Journey Through Education
Priya Nair graduated from Sydenham College of Commerce and Economics in 1987 with a Bachelor of Commerce (BCom) in Accounts & Statistics. From 1992 to 1994, she pursued an MBA in Marketing at the Symbiosis Institute of Business Management in Pune.
She later enrolled in the Business Administration and Management program at Harvard Business School. Hindustan Unilever Chairman Nitin Paranjpe commended her performance history.
“Priya’s career at HUL and Unilever has been exceptional. With her extensive knowledge of the Indian market and stellar performance history, I have no doubt that Priya will propel HUL to new heights,” he said in a corporate statement. Currently residing in London, Priya Nair is married and has a daughter.
Rohit Jawa, who has been HUL’s CEO and MD since 2023, is succeeded by Nair. The company saw volume-led development under Jawa’s direction, navigating a difficult market characterised by a sluggish rebound in discretionary categories and dampened urban demand. According to HUL’s exchange filing, Jawa is leaving to pursue other options in both his personal and professional life.
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