After a remarkable 37-year journey with Unilever, Rohit Jawa, CEO and Managing Director of Hindustan Unilever Limited (HUL), announced he will step down later this month following the company’s quarterly results. In an emotional farewell message, Jawa reflected on his journey, one that came full circle from starting at HUL to leading the iconic Indian FMCG giant.
Jawa, who returned to India in 2023 to take the helm of HUL, described the experience as “humbling and enriching.” During his tenure, HUL navigated volatile market conditions while strengthening its market leadership and pushing the boundaries of innovation. Under his stewardship, the company launched its new strategy, ASPIRE: Unlocking a Billion Aspirations, which, according to him, has already begun delivering results.
Returning To My Alma Mater: Rohit Jawa
“It has been an exciting phase, returning to my alma mater, reacquainting myself with India, and getting to know our people and partners across the country. Every day has been a new experience, and I’ve had the privilege of working with the best teams that any leader could hope for,” he wrote.
Jawa highlighted some key achievements during his time at the top: strengthening HUL’s cultural relevance, harnessing “social-first” demand generation, and introducing pathbreaking innovations in products and customer experience.
His farewell note also expressed gratitude to colleagues past and present:
“HUL and Unilever have been my home for 37 incredible years, during which I have grown alongside people, communities, and brands. I owe immense gratitude to our former leaders, the Board, my mentors, and superiors, whose support and wisdom have guided me throughout my journey. The HUL family and my Unilever colleagues have been the backbone of my story.”
Jawa has held several high-profile roles across key Unilever markets over the decades, including stints in the Philippines, North Asia, and China, before returning to India to head HUL, a company where he began his career.
Looking ahead, Jawa expressed confidence in his successor, Priya Nair, who currently serves as Chief Marketing Officer at Unilever.
“Now feels like the right moment to pass on the baton to Priya Nair. I am sure that under her leadership, HUL will shine brighter in the years to come,” he added.
Nair’s appointment marks a historic moment as she becomes the first woman to lead Hindustan Unilever, signaling a new chapter for the nearly 90-year-old company.
HUL is expected to formally announce the leadership transition alongside its quarterly earnings later this month.
