HUL gets first woman CEO, but India Inc still far from gender parity

Person in News: Priya Nair – First Woman CEO & MD of Hindustan Unilever (HUL)Key Points / Notes:

1. Historic Appointment: Priya Nair becomes HUL’s first woman CEO & MD in its 92-year history.
2. Gender Gap in India Inc:
   • Only 9 of Nifty 200 firms have women CEOs or MDs (July 2024).
   • Nifty 50: 2 women CEOs/MDs, Nifty 100: 3, Top 500: 24.
   • Representation fluctuated between 3.5%–6% over the past decade.
3. Structural Barriers:
   • Women often concentrated in marketing, HR, or branding, not operations or finance (preferred for CEO roles).
   • Cultural expectations of work-life balance limit career growth.
   • Workplace biases and lack of supportive policies prevent retention of high-potential women.
4. Leaky Pipeline:
   • Female employee share: 23% at entry level → 13% in key management → 10% as executive directors.
   • Many women drop out due to hostile environments or family pressures.
5. Experts’ Views:
   • Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw: Corporate sector not doing enough to empower women; DEI and ESG measures exist but implementation lacking.
   • Women bring empathy, strategic thinking, and risk-taking skills to leadership roles.
   • Pranav Haldea: Need supportive policies, childcare equality, and household sharing to prevent career drop-offs.
6. Significance: Priya Nair’s appointment marks progress but highlights persistent gender disparity in India’s top corporate positions.
   
   
   Updated: Jul 13, 2025, 05:00 PM | ET