The Morning Brief The Curious Case of HUL’s CEO Shuffle
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Jul 15, 2025 Sandeep Ghose, a long-time Hindustan Unilever (HUL) veteran now leading MP Birla Cement, teams up with Sagar Malviya, an Economic Times editor with over a decade of insights on HUL. They dive into the surprising CEO shuffle at HUL, examining Priya Nair's game-changing appointment as the first female CEO. The discussion touches on market pressures, legacy burdens from acquisitions like Horlicks, and the impact of Nair's digital-first strategy on investor confidence. Can her vision reverse HUL's fortunes in a slowing market?
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HUL's Unprecedented CEO Shift
- Hindustan Unilever (HUL) unexpectedly changed its CEO within two years, announcing its first woman chief, Priya Nair.
- This unprecedented quick CEO shift signals a bold new leadership approach amidst market challenges.
HUL's Evolution Under Leaders
- HUL has evolved across decades through distinct leadership phases adapting to India’s economic and regulatory changes.
- Despite CEOs changing, Unilever's culture of company-wide forward movement remains strong.
CEO Change Driven by Market Pressures
- HUL’s CEO change reflects shareholder impatience amid slow growth and acquisition challenges.
- Parent company's global pressures and a new mandate for turnaround influenced the leadership shuffle.