Nair’s appointment marks a milestone in beauty and wellness leadership, globally
Priya Nair is appointed as the Managing Director (MD) and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Hindustan Unilever (HUL), from August onwards. She will be the first woman leader appointed by the corporate giant. Nair will be succeeding Rohit Jawa who will step down from his post on 31 July.
The press statement issued by HUL stated, “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.”
Presently, Nair is the President (Beauty & Wellbeing) at Unilever, London. Her multibillion portfolio includes hair care, skin care, prestige beauty and health and wellbeing brands in 20 countries over the world.
“Since 2023, Priya has had a successful tenure as president of beauty and wellbeing, one of Unilever’s fastest growing businesses,” the release noted.
After assuming her new role post August, she will become a board member in the company and will oversee important approvals, while continuing her position as a Unilever Leadership Executive.
More About Priya Nair
Born in the culturally rich city of Kolhapur to Malayalee parents and raised amidst the vibrant bustle of Mumbai, Nair’s journey is nothing short of inspiring. Armed with a degree in Accounts & Statistics from Mumbai’s Sydenham College, she further honed her business acumen with an MBA in Marketing from the prestigious Symbiosis Institute of Business Management, Pune, before joining a management program at Harvard Business School.
Her career began with insight as she joined HUL in 1995 as a Consumer Insights Manager. From there, she rapidly ascended the ranks, shaping some of India’s most beloved brands. By 1998, she was already making waves as Brand Manager for Dove, Rin, and Comfort. Her innate understanding of the consumer psyche and sharp marketing vision earned her progressive leadership roles, including Marketing Manager in 2004 and General Manager in 2007. By 2009, she was leading HUL’s western region with strategic precision.
Priya’s stellar trajectory continued as she took on pivotal roles including Executive Director and CCVP (Customer Development, Consumer & Market Insight, Vice President) for Home Care and Beauty & Personal Care, South Asia—bringing a transformative edge to every portfolio she touched.
Beyond the boardroom, Priya has also served as an Independent Director on the board of a listed Indian company, a board member of ASCI, and a key voice in public-private partnerships and industry bodies such as MMA India.
On a personal front, she is currently based in London with her family.
