Priya Nair to take HUL chief's baton from Jawa

In a surprise move, Hindustan Unilever Ltd (HUL) on Thursday announced the appointment of Priya Nair as chief executive officer and managing director of the company, making her the first female top boss of the consumer goods giant in India.

- Suneera Tandon

Nair is currently president, beauty & wellbeing, Unilever.

Nair, whose appointment comes into effect from 1 August, succeeds Rohit Jawa (59), who spent two years as HUL’s CEO and MD.

She will also join the HUL board, subject to necessary approvals, and continue to be a member of the Unilever Leadership Executive.

She began her career in consumer insights at the company and went on to lead brands like Dove, Rin, and Comfort.

Jawa will step down as CEO and MD on 31 July to pursue the next chapter in his personal and professional journey, said a company statement.