Priya Nair Becomes First Woman CEO of Hindustan Unilever in 92 Years

Priya Nair Becomes First Woman CEO of Hindustan Unilever in 92 Years — A Historic Milestone in Indian Corporate Leadership
By MediaBites | July 19, 2025

In a defining moment for India’s corporate landscape, Hindustan Unilever Limited (HUL), the country’s largest FMCG powerhouse, has appointed Priya Nair as its new CEO and Managing Director, effective August 1, 2025. Nair makes history as the first woman to lead HUL in its 92-year legacy, succeeding Rohit Jawa, who retires at the end of July.

Currently serving as the Global President of Beauty & Wellbeing at Unilever, Priya Nair brings an impressive 30 years of rich experience, much of it honed within the HUL ecosystem since her journey began in 1995 as a brand manager for iconic products like Dove and Rin.

Nair’s trajectory has been remarkable — from leading marketing and customer development in India to heading the beauty and home care segment for South Asia, she quickly ascended to global leadership. In 2022, she became Global Chief Marketing Officer for Unilever’s Beauty & Wellbeing, and within a year, she was promoted to President of the division, driving significant global growth in personal care and wellness brands.

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Her appointment is more than a personal achievement — it is a symbol of progress for women in leadership, setting a new benchmark in a traditionally male-dominated sector.

MediaBites congratulates Priya Nair on this remarkable achievement and wishes her the very best in all her future endeavors. Her journey is an inspiration for aspiring leaders, especially women aiming to break barriers in the corporate world.

As Priya Nair returns to helm the company where she first started, her journey reflects not just professional excellence but also the promise of inclusive leadership shaping the future of Indian and global business.