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Meet Priya Nair: The Trailblazing First Woman CEO of Hindustan Unilever!

Priya Nair, Unilever veteran, is HUL’s first woman CEO, starting August 1, 2025.

In a historic move, Hindustan Unilever Ltd (HUL) has named Priya Nair as its new Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, effective August 1, 2025. As the first woman to helm India’s largest fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) giant, Nair is set to steer HUL into a bold new era, succeeding Rohit Jawa, who will step down on July 31 after leading since 2023.

A Stellar Career at Unilever

Priya Nair’s journey with HUL began in 1995 when she joined as a Consumer Insights Manager. Born in Kolhapur to Malayalee parents and raised in Mumbai, Nair holds a B.Com in Accounts & Statistics from Sydenham College and an MBA in Marketing from Symbiosis Institute of Business Management, Pune. She further honed her expertise at Harvard Business School’s management program.

Her rise through HUL’s ranks was swift and impressive. By 1998, she was managing iconic brands like Dove, Rin, and Comfort as a Brand Manager. She climbed to Marketing Manager in 2004 and General Manager by 2007, later overseeing HUL’s western region in 2009. Nair’s leadership extended to South Asia as Executive Director and CCVP for Home Care and Beauty & Personal Care, showcasing her deep market insight.

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In 2022, Nair took on the global stage as Chief Marketing Officer for Unilever’s Beauty & Wellbeing division. A year later, she was promoted to President, managing a massive €12 billion (₹1.08 lakh crore) portfolio spanning Hair Care, Skin Care, Prestige Beauty, and Health & Wellbeing. Now based in London, Nair will also join HUL’s Board, pending approvals, while continuing her role on Unilever’s Leadership Executive.

A Visionary Leader

“Priya’s exceptional career and deep understanding of the Indian market make her the perfect choice to lead HUL to new heights,” said HUL Chairman Nitin Paranjpe. Nair’s track record speaks for itself—she has served as an Independent Director for a listed Indian company, a board member of ASCI, and a leader in industry forums like MMA India, alongside driving impactful public-private partnerships.

Personal Touch

Married with a daughter, Priya Nair balances her high-flying career with a grounded personal life. Her Mumbai roots and global perspective uniquely position her to bridge tradition and innovation at HUL.

As Priya Nair steps into this groundbreaking role, all eyes are on how she’ll shape the future of one of India’s most iconic companies.

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