Who is Priya Nair? First woman CEO of HUL, to handle Rs 590000000 business, know her journey from trainee to CEO

Priya Nair is set to take over as the first woman CEO and Managing Director of Hindustan Unilever Ltd (HUL), effective August 1, 2025, marking a historic milestone for India’s largest FMCG company.

She replaces Rohit Jawa who will step down as CEO and MD on July 31, 2025 to pursue the next chapter in his personal and professional journey, the FMCG major said in a statement. Jawa took over as the CEO and MD of HUL in 2023.

Who Is Priya Nair?

Nair, currently President, Beauty & Wellbeing, Unilever, has been appointed for a period of five years.

Nair will also join the HUL Board, subject to necessary approvals, and continue to be a member of the Unilever Leadership Executive (ULE), the company added.

“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,” HUL Chairman Nitin Paranjpe said.

Priya Nair Journey In HUL

Nair joined HUL in 1995 and held several sales and marketing roles across home care, beauty & wellbeing, and personal care businesses.

Her significant contributions led her to become the Executive Director, Home Care, HUL, between 2014 and 2020, thereafter, the Executive Director, Beauty & Personal Care, HUL, from 2020 to 2022.

Subsequently, she went on to become the Global Chief Marketing Officer, Beauty & Wellbeing at Unilever. Since 2023, Nair has had a successful tenure as President of Beauty & Wellbeing, one of Unilever’s fastest growing businesses.

Priya Nair Educational Qualifications

Priya Nair holds a Bachelor of Commerce (BCom) degree with a specialization in Accounts and Statistics from Sydenham College of Commerce and Economics, where she studied between 1987 and 1992. 

After this, she pursued a Master of Business Administration (MBA) in Marketing from the Symbiosis Institute of Business Management, Pune (1992–1994). She further enhanced her leadership credentials by completing an executive program in Business Administration and Management at Harvard Business School.

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