Priya Nair has stepped into the top job at Hindustan Unilever, taking charge of a consumer behemoth that’s been feeling the heat from all sides. While the FMCG giant recently posted better-than-expected profits, its broader growth story has been underwhelming. Over the last three years, HUL’s stock has crawled up just 4 percent, while the Nifty 50 sprinted ahead with a 42 percent gain.
The bigger concern? HUL is struggling to keep up with a fast-evolving India. Smaller, nimble brands—especially in beauty and personal care—are cutting into its turf. Local challengers like Mamaearth and even global players like L’Oreal are giving the Dove-and-Lakme maker a real fight. Volume growth has been tepid, and consumer behavior in both cities and small towns is shifting rapidly. Urban buyers are trimming their spending or opting for niche, “natural” alternatives, while rural markets remain unpredictable.
Nair’s appointment as CEO, the first woman to lead the company, sparked a stock rally last month after Rohit Jawa’s early exit. Known for her sharp instincts, Nair has previously led HUL’s home care and beauty segments and served as Unilever’s Global Chief Marketing Officer. Industry insiders see her as an assertive leader with a strong grip on what Indian consumers want today.
The road ahead is steep. Analysts say HUL must rethink its product pipeline, pricing strategy, and rural distribution. Nair also has the global board watching closely. Unilever CEO Fernando Fernandez has already committed higher investments in India, calling it a key market alongside the US.
Brokerages including Goldman Sachs and Jefferies have raised their outlooks, betting on Nair’s ability to turn things around. But in an increasingly fragmented market, sustaining relevance could be her toughest challenge yet.
