Meet Priya Nair, Hindustan Unilever Limited's First Woman CEO-MD In Its 92 Years

Priya Nair has been named the next Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of Hindustan Unilever Limited. She is the first woman to helm this role in the company's 92-year history. Nair, who presently serves as President, Beauty & Wellbeing at Unilever, will take over from Rohit Jawa from August 1, 2025. She will also join the HUL Board and continue as a member of Unilever’s global Leadership Executive (ULE).

Nair joined HUL in 1995 and has been credited with the growth of many of their brands, particularly in the beauty, wellness, and home care units. Nitin Paranjpe, Chairman of Hindustan Unilever, said in a statement, "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."

Who is Priya Nair?

Priya Nair has a BCom in Accounts & Statistics from Sydenham College of Commerce and Economics, and an MBA in Marketing from Symbiosis Institute of Business Management, Pune. She also attended Harvard Business School for a programme in Business Administration and Management.

At HUL, Nair has worked in several leadership positions. Her early role included Consumer Insights Manager and Brand Manager for key brands like Dove, Rin and Comfort. Over the years, she led marketing for the laundry business and then shifted to oral care, deodorants, and customer development.

Nair also served as General Manager for Customer Development for HUL’s western region and later held roles as Executive Director South Asia for its Homecare and Beauty & Personal Care divisions. In 2022, she became the Global Chief Marketing Officer for Unilever’s Beauty & Wellbeing unit. She was appointed as the President of this division in 2023. 

According to Exchange4Media, Nair was also a board member of the Advertising Standards Council of India (ASCI), and has worked with multiple government bodies on public-private initiatives. She also plays an active role in organisations like the Mobile Marketing Association (MMA) of India.