
Priya Nair, the first woman CEO and managing director of Hindustan Unilever (HUL), faces the challenge of revitalizing the FMCG giant after two years of sluggish growth and increased competition. Her strategy focuses on high-growth demand areas, volume recovery, and investment in niche "market maker" brands, aiming to restore growth with startup-like agility. Nair's appointment is a milestone for gender diversity, and the second half of FY26 will be a key test for her approach as Indian consumers continue to trade up.