Priya Nair returns home to HUL as its MD, CEO

FMCG bellwether and industry leader Hindustan Unilever announced on Thursday the elevation and appointment of Priya Nair, currently President, Beauty & Wellbeing at parent Unilever, as its Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, succeeding Rohit Jawa who will be stepping down on July 31.

Priya Nair, who is scheduled to take over on August 1, will be the first ever woman to lead the Indian unit of Unilever.

“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,” said Nitin Paranjpe, Chairman HUL.

Rohit Jawa, who has been with the company for over 37 years and took over as MD & CEO in 2023, is leaving to “pursue the next chapter in his personal and professional journey”, the company said in a statement. It added that during his two-year tenure the company delivered volume-led competitive growth.

Home to HUL

For Priya, its a homecoming, while she brings years of experience in the booming beauty business in India, which is a major focus for the FMCG major.

A commerce graduate from Sydenham College in Mumbai Priya began her career in consumer insights at HUL in 1995 and went on to lead iconic brands like Dove, Rin, and Comfort. 

She worked across sales and marketing roles in Home Care, Beauty & Wellbeing, and Personal Care businesses. She took charge as the executive director of the home care business between 2014 and 2020 after which she held the position of Executive Director of Beauty & Personal Care business from 2020 to 2022.

Subsequently, she became the Global Chief Marketing Officer, Beauty & Wellbeing at Unilever and and later President of the business.

She was appointed to the Unilever Leadership Executive (ULE) in 2022 and is among the few Indian-origin women to hold this position globally.

She is a strong advocate for inclusion, learning agility, and purpose-led leadership, the company stated. 

Priya Nair turned around the Home Care business in India through sustainability-led innovation, portfolio premiumisation, and brand rejuvenation. She led Unilever’s global Beauty & Wellbeing business to five consecutive quarters of consistent top-line growth.

Priya launched breakthrough innovations like POND’S with Hexyl-Retinol and Lakmé’s sunstick format, enhancing brand relevance and scientific credibility.

Published on July 10, 2025