HUL shares rise 4% after Priya Nair appointed as MD & CEO, replacing Rohit Jawa

Hindustan Unilever (HUL) shares rose 3.7% to an intraday high of ₹2,500 per share on Friday after the company announced Priya Nair as its new Managing Director & Chief Executive Officer (MD & CEO). Nair, currently President of Beauty and Wellbeing at Unilever, London, oversees a €13 billion portfolio and has held various roles across sales and marketing, home care, and beauty and wellbeing. She is recognized as one of India's most influential businesswomen.

Hindustan Unilever (HUL) shares surged 3.7% to an intraday high of ₹2,500 per share on Friday following the announcement of Priya Nair as the new Managing Director & Chief Executive Officer (MD & CEO) [1]. Nair, currently the President of Beauty and Wellbeing at Unilever, London, will oversee a €13 billion portfolio and bring extensive experience in sales and marketing, home care, and beauty and wellbeing to the role [2].

Nair's appointment is significant as it marks the first time a woman will lead HUL, one of India's largest fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) companies. She will replace Rohit Jawa, who will step down on July 31 after a two-year tenure as CEO and MD [1]. Nair has been with HUL since 1995 and has held various executive roles, including Executive Director, Home Care, and Executive Director, Beauty & Personal Care [1].

Prior to her global role at Unilever, Nair served as the global chief marketing officer for the beauty and wellbeing business, managing global revenue, brand equity, innovation pipelines, and digital marketing initiatives. Her tenure at Unilever highlighted her ability to scale brands while anchoring them in local relevance, a skill that will be crucial as she steers HUL's growth in a price-sensitive yet aspirational market [2].

HUL Chairman Nitin Paranjpe expressed confidence in Nair's leadership, stating, "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" [1].

Nair's appointment comes at a time when HUL is navigating rising competition from agile local players and evolving consumer preferences across urban and rural India. Industry observers will closely monitor her ability to balance the company's growth ambitions with profitability while navigating a landscape defined by environmental sustainability, digital disruption, and the demands of young, demanding consumers [2].

References:
[1] https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/industry/cons-products/fmcg/priya-nair-named-hindustan-unilever-md-ceo/articleshow/122367924.cms
[2] https://www.storyboard18.com/brand-makers/who-is-priya-nair-the-first-ever-female-ceo-and-md-of-hul-73897.htm