Priya Nair Education: Hindustan Unilever Limited (HUL) is making history by appointing Priya Nair as its first woman CEO and Managing Director. She will assume the role on August 1, 2025, succeeding Rohit Jawa, who retires on July 31, 2025. Currently, Nair serves as the President of Unilever's global "Beauty & Wellbeing" division.
Priya Nair boasts a strong academic foundation. She studied commerce at Sydenham College, Mumbai. After earning her B.Com, she pursued an MBA in Marketing from Symbiosis Institute of Business Management, Pune. She further enhanced her expertise with an advanced course in Business Administration and Management from Harvard Business School.
Priya Nair began her career almost 30 years ago and is now set to become HUL's first female CEO. Her success story is truly inspiring. Starting at HUL in 1995, she worked across various departments, making a significant impact. She held roles from Consumer Insights Manager to Brand Manager, playing a key role in branding and marketing renowned products like Dove, Rin, and Comfort. She later managed crucial segments like deodorants, oral care, laundry, and customer development. Her trajectory led her to become General Manager for HUL's West India region, then Executive Director and CCVP for Homecare, and subsequently for Beauty & Personal Care.
Priya Nair's exceptional work in India paved the way for international roles. In 2022, she became the global Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) for Unilever's Beauty & Wellbeing unit. In 2023, she was appointed President of the same division. Now, in 2025, she is poised to become HUL's CEO and MD. With this position, she will also join the HUL board, subject to necessary approvals, and remain a member of the Unilever Leadership Executive (ULE).
Born in Kolhapur to Malayali parents, Priya Nair grew up and completed her early education in Mumbai. She is married to entrepreneur Manmohan and they have a 13-year-old daughter named Mahek.