FMCG major Hindustan Unilever Ltd (HUL) has announced the appointment of Priya Nair as its new Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, effective March 31, 2026. Nair will take over from Rohit Jawa, who will move into a larger global role within parent company Unilever.
Nair, currently the Chief Marketing Officer for Unilever’s Beauty & Wellbeing business, will also join the Unilever Leadership Executive (ULE), the group’s global executive team. She brings with her nearly three decades of experience at HUL, having led several successful brand campaigns and innovations, particularly in the beauty and personal care segment. Over the years, she has held key roles across sales, customer development, and marketing, with brands such as Dove, Lux, Lifebuoy, and Glow & Lovely under her leadership.
Nair’s elevation also makes her one of the few women to take the top position at a major listed Indian company. She had earlier served as Executive Director, HUL, and led the Beauty & Personal Care division in India.
Outgoing MD & CEO Rohit Jawa, who took over the helm at HUL in June 2023, will transition out in March 2026 to focus fully on his global responsibilities at Unilever. Jawa has been associated with Unilever since 1988, and his tenure at HUL is noted for driving digital transformation and sharpening the company’s innovation and portfolio agenda.
The board has approved Nair’s appointment, subject to shareholder approval. Jawa will remain on the board until his departure to ensure a smooth transition.
Unilever CEO Hein Schumacher praised the development, stating, “Priya is an outstanding global business leader. Her growth mindset, consumer centricity, and purpose-driven approach make her the ideal choice to lead HUL into its next phase.”
The leadership reshuffle marks a significant moment in HUL’s ongoing evolution, as it aligns its India operations more closely with Unilever’s global leadership and strategy. Just over three months ago, on March 26, 2025, HUL strengthened its senior leadership by appointing Rajneet Kohli as Executive Director – Foods. He joined the company’s Management Committee from April 7, 2025, taking over from Shiva Krishnamurthy, who left to pursue opportunities outside the company.
