HUL CEO shake-up: Rohit Jawa steps down 2 years into 5-year term, Priya Nair named successor

Two years after India’s largest FMCG company Hindustan Unilever Ltd (HUL) appointed Rohit Jawa as the MD and CEO, the company has now named Priya Nair as its new CEO after Jawa decided to step down to pursue the "next chapter" in his life. In an exchange filing, HUL states that Rohit Jawa will be stepping down as the MD & CEO of the company, effective July 31, 2025. Jawa's exit from the company comes approximately two years into his tenure, even though his term was supposed to end in five consecutive years, i.e., in 2028. Nair is the first woman CEO of HUL.

"Based on the recommendation of the Nomination and Remuneration Committee, [the board] approved the appointment of Priya Nair as the MD & CEO of the Company for a term of 5 (five) consecutive years with effect from 1st August, 2025 till 31st July, 2030, in succession to Mr. Rohit Jawa. The appointment of Nair as the MD & CEO will be subject to approval of shareholders and other statutory approvals," said an HUL exchange filing.

Jawa will also step down from the other committees of the company: Risk Management Committee, Stakeholders Relationship Committee, and Environmental, Social and Governance Committee. The company says Jawa, during his 37-year career, has held many notable roles, including Executive Vice President North Asia and Chair of Unilever China, and Chair of Unilever Philippines, two of the most important Unilever operations.

What Jawa has to say on his exit

Jawa, in his letter to the HUL board chairman, said he will be stepping down as he has decided to pursue the "next chapter in my personal and professional journey." "I take pride in my 37-year career with Unilever, including leading strategically significant markets across Asia over the past decade," he wrote, adding that "I confirm that there are no other material reasons for my decision beyond those stated above."

He said that during his tenure, he has launched 'Aspire'—the strategic direction designed to drive competitive growth through a future-fit portfolio, innovation, and long-term value creation. "I am proud of the volume-led competitive growth the Company delivered under challenging market conditions and the strong foundation that has been laid for the future."

He said it has been a "true honor" to serve as the CEO & MD of HUL. "I am confident that Hindustan Unilever will continue to achieve even greater success, and I wish the Company and its leadership the very best in the journey ahead."

Who is Priya Nair, the new HUL CEO?

Priya Nair, who is currently President, Beauty & Wellbeing, Unilever, has been appointed Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director, HUL, effective 1st August 2025. Priya joined HUL in 1995 and held several sales and marketing roles across Home Care, Beauty & Wellbeing, and Personal Care businesses.

As per the company, her significant contributions led her to become the Executive Director, Home Care, HUL between 2014 and 2020, thereafter, the Executive Director, Beauty & Personal Care, HUL from 2020 to 2022.

Subsequently, she became the Global Chief Marketing Officer, Beauty & Wellbeing at Unilever. Since 2023, Priya has worked as President of Beauty & Wellbeing, one of Unilever’s fastest-growing businesses.

What HUL Chairman has to say

Nitin Paranjpe, HUL Chairman, thanked Jawa for leading the business through tough market conditions and strengthening its foundations for success. "The Company took decisive actions to sharpen the portfolio and further stepped up its market leadership over the last two years. I wish him the very best for the next chapter in his life.”

Welcoming Priya back to India and to HUL, Nitin said: “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.”