Meet Priya Nair, the First Female CEO and MD of Hindustan Unilever

Priya Nair stepping up as CEO and MD of Hindustan Unilever Limited? That’s a serious milestone. She’ll officially take charge on August 1, 2025, and yes, this makes her the first woman to ever lead HUL in its nearly 90-year run. That’s more than just a headline—it’s a clear signal that India Inc. is finally moving the needle on gender diversity in its top ranks. Nair’s got real staying power, too. She’s been with HUL since 1995, starting out as a management trainee and working her way up by taking on roles that mattered—both in India and on the global front. Her track record covers everything from brand transformation to nailing consumer insights. She’s been the architect behind some of HUL’s biggest brands and has consistently pushed innovation, particularly in personal and home care. Her credentials back it up: an MBA from Symbiosis, executive programs at Harvard, and a stint as Global Chief Marketing Officer for Unilever’s Beauty & Wellbeing business. Most recently, she’s been leading that same division—a €12 billion powerhouse—overseeing major brands like Dove and Vaseline. If there’s one thing she’s known for, it’s combining strategic vision with a sharp understanding of what consumers want, across markets. With Nair at the helm, HUL is expected to double down on innovation, ramp up its digital transformation, and keep sustainability at the forefront. She’s well-placed to steer the company through this next phase, leveraging her local expertise and international experience to keep HUL competitive and relevant. The transition from Rohit Jawa looks seamless and well-planned—exactly what you’d expect from a company of HUL’s stature. Jawa’s leadership brought stability and growth, and Nair’s appointment is seen as a smart move to maintain momentum while pushing for even greater progress, especially in areas like inclusivity and brand evolution. The bigger story here isn’t just the leadership change—it’s what it represents. A woman leading a major FMCG giant in India is still rare, and Nair’s appointment breaks new ground. It underscores not only her own achievements but HUL’s commitment to building a more inclusive and future-ready organization. Throughout her career, Nair’s mantra has been simple: listen to the consumer, adapt quickly. It’s this approach that’s helped her turn traditional products into brands with real impact, especially in fast-changing markets like beauty and personal care. Her focus on sustainability and purpose-driven branding is expected to shape HUL’s growth strategy for years to come. As the company prepares for this leadership handover, the industry will be watching closely to see how Nair navigates a changing business landscape. Her appointment isn’t just about filling a chair at the top—it’s about setting a new standard for leadership in Indian business and inspiring a new wave of talent to aim higher. Bottom line: Priya Nair’s appointment is a pivotal moment for HUL and for Indian corporate leadership as a whole. Her journey proves that vision, adaptability, and a consumer-first mindset are essential for driving long-term success in today’s market.