Hindustan Unilever Limited (HUL), one of India's leading fast-moving consumer goods companies, has announced a significant leadership change. Priya Nair, currently serving as the President of Beauty & Wellbeing at Unilever, is set to take the helm as the new Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of HUL, effective August 1, 2025.

Leadership Transition

The Board of Directors of HUL has approved the appointment of Ms. Priya Nair as the MD & CEO for a term of five consecutive years, from August 1, 2025, to July 31, 2030. This appointment is subject to shareholder approval and other statutory clearances.

Concurrently, the current MD & CEO, Rohit Jawa, will be stepping down from his position effective July 31, 2025. Mr. Jawa, who took over the leadership role in June 2023, is departing to pursue the next chapter in his personal and professional journey after a successful 37-year career with Unilever.

Priya Nair's Profile

Ms. Nair brings a wealth of experience to her new role. With a career spanning about 30 years at Unilever, she has held various leadership positions and is recognized as one of India's most influential businesswomen. Her current role as Business Group President – Beauty & Wellbeing at Unilever involves overseeing a €13.00 billion portfolio across more than 20 markets.

Some key highlights of Ms. Nair's career include:

• Joined HUL in 1995, holding various sales and marketing roles
• Served as Executive Director, Home Care, HUL from 2014 to 2020
• Appointed as Executive Director, Beauty & Personal Care, HUL from 2020 to 2022
• Became Global Chief Marketing Officer, Beauty & Wellbeing at Unilever
• Currently serves as President of Beauty & Wellbeing, one of Unilever's fastest-growing businesses

Ms. Nair is known for her expertise in brand building, premiumization, digital commerce, and purpose-led innovation. She is a commerce graduate from Sydenham College, holds an MBA from Symbiosis Institute of Business Management, Pune, and has completed executive education at Harvard Business School.

Rohit Jawa's Tenure

During his tenure as CEO and MD, which began in June 2023, Mr. Jawa led HUL through challenging market conditions. He implemented the 'ASPIRE' strategy, focusing on driving competitive growth through a future-fit portfolio, innovation, and long-term value creation. Under his leadership, the company achieved volume-led competitive growth and strengthened its market position.

Company's Perspective

Nitin Paranjpe, Chairman of HUL, expressed gratitude for Mr. Jawa's leadership, stating, "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."

Welcoming Ms. Nair to her new role, Mr. Paranjpe 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."

This leadership transition marks a new chapter for Hindustan Unilever Limited as it continues to navigate the dynamic FMCG landscape in India. Shareholders and industry observers will be keenly watching how Ms. Nair's extensive experience and strategic vision will shape the company's future growth and market position.

Susim Mukul Datta, who served as the Chairman of Hindustan Unilever Ltd (HUL) from 1990 to 1996, passed away on July 5 in Mumbai. Datta's leadership at HUL marked a significant period in the company's history, and his influence extended far beyond his tenure at the consumer goods giant.

Distinguished Career

Datta's illustrious career was characterized by his leadership roles across multiple companies. Throughout his professional journey, he held key positions in over 21 organizations, showcasing his versatility and expertise in the business world.

Legacy at Hindustan Unilever

During his six-year tenure as Chairman of HUL from 1990 to 1996, Datta played a crucial role in shaping the company's strategies and operations. His leadership coincided with a period of significant economic reforms in India, and his guidance was instrumental in navigating HUL through these changing times.

Impact on Indian Business Landscape

Susim Mukul Datta's contributions to the Indian corporate sector extend beyond his role at HUL. His experience and insights, gained from leadership positions in numerous companies, have left an indelible mark on the business landscape of the country.

Conclusion

The passing of Susim Mukul Datta represents the loss of a seasoned business leader who played a significant role in the growth and development of one of India's most prominent consumer goods companies. His legacy continues to influence the corporate world, serving as an inspiration for future business leaders.