HUL shares jump 5% as investors cheer appointment of Priya Nair as CEO and MD

Nair, currently President, Beauty & Wellbeing, Unilever, has been appointed for a period of five years.

Nair replaces Rohit Jawa, who will step down as CEO and MD on July 31, 2025, to pursue the next chapter in his personal and professional journey, the FMCG major said in a statement.

The change in management, prima facie, is seen as a positive sign for the FMCG major.

Rohit took over as the CEO and MD of HUL in 2023. "During his tenure of over two years, the company delivered volume-led competitive growth. He introduced the 'ASPIRE' strategy that is driving the business to transform its portfolio and channels towards high-growth demand spaces," the company said in its press release.

Rohit has held many notable roles across his successful 37-year career, including Executive Vice President North Asia, Chair of Unilever China, and Chair of Unilever Philippines, two of the most important Unilever operations, in which he achieved notable success, the release added.

About Priya Nair

Nair will also join the HUL Board, subject to necessary approvals, and continue to be a member of the Unilever Leadership Executive (ULE), the company added.

"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," HUL Chairman Nitin Paranjpe said.

Nair joined HUL in 1995 and held several sales and marketing roles across home care, beauty & wellbeing, and personal care businesses.

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

Subsequently, she went on to become the Global Chief Marketing Officer, Beauty & Wellbeing at Unilever. Since 2023, Nair has had a successful tenure as President of Beauty & Wellbeing, one of Unilever's fastest-growing businesses.

Meanwhile, HUL Chairman Nitin Paranjpe said, "On behalf of the Board of HUL, I would like to thank Rohit 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."