Who Is Priya Nair? All About The First-Ever Woman CEO Of Hindustan Unilever

This historic appointment is being seen as a major step forward for gender diversity at the top level in Indian corporates. Below, let's take a look at who exactly Priya Nair is?

Who Is Priya Nair?

Priya Nair is a familiar and respected figure within the Unilever ecosystem. With her elevation, she is set to become the first female CEO of HUL, one of India’s largest FMCG companies. Currently based in London, she serves as the Global President for Unilever’s Beauty and Wellbeing division, one of the company’s most rapidly expanding business segments.

Nair’s rise to the top reflects her reputation as a sharp business strategist, known for her intuitive market understanding and ability to deliver results. Her leadership is being celebrated as a milestone for Indian industry, where senior executive positions still largely remain male-dominated.

Don't Miss:Barbie Launches First-Ever Doll with Type 1 Diabetes: Here's Why The Representation Matters

As per Business Today, Nitin Paranjpe, Chairman of HUL, commended her leadership: “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.”

Priya Nair’s Educational Background

Priya began her academic journey with a Bachelor of Commerce (B.Com) in Accounts and Statistics from Sydenham College of Commerce and Economics (1987–1992). She later pursued an MBA in marketing from Symbiosis Institute of Business Management, Pune (1992–1994). To further hone her leadership skills, she also completed an executive programme at Harvard Business School in Business Administration and Management.

Priya Nair Career Timeline

Here’s a quick look at Priya Nair’s impressive professional growth, as per LinkedIn:

• 1995–2012: Worked across key brand and marketing roles in India, including Rin, Dove, and Comfort
• 2012: Inducted into the HUL Management Board
• 2014–2020: Served as Executive Director – Home Care, HUL
• 2020–2022: Executive Director – Beauty & Personal Care, HUL
• 2022: Became Global Chief Marketing Officer, Beauty & Wellbeing, Unilever
• 2023–present: Global President, Beauty & Wellbeing, Unilever
• 2025: Named CEO & MD of HUL

Priya Nair’s Personal Life

Priya is married to Manmohan, an entrepreneur, and together they have a daughter named Mehak, who is 13 years old.

Don't Miss:Who Is Babydoll Archi? All About The Assam Influencer of 'Dame Un Grrr' Fame

Following the news of Priya Nair's appointment as Hindustan Unilever's (HUL) first woman CEO, the company's shares experienced a significant boost, surging nearly 5% to reach Rs 2,518.65 on the Bombay Stock Exchange.

All attention is now focused on Nair, as her five-year term, commencing on August 1, 2025, will be a crucial test of her ability to revitalise growth across HUL's diverse product portfolio.

Keep reading Herzindagi for more such stories.

Credits: Priya Nair Linkedin