Priya Nair at the top in HUL, but equity elusive
The Tribune Editorial: Only nine of the Nifty 200 companies have women CEOs or MDs.
Updated At : 06:05 AM Jul 14, 2025 IST
Hindustan Unilever, Nestle, ICICI Bank and Tata Consultancy Services were the laggards.
HINDUSTAN Unilever’s appointment of Priya Nair as its first woman CEO and MD in 92 years is a landmark moment. Yet, it also highlights the yawning gender gap that persists in Indian boardrooms. Despite more women entering the workforce than ever before, they remain glaringly underrepresented at the top. A 2024 report noted that women hold just 18 per cent of senior leadership roles in corporate India. Only nine of the Nifty 200 companies have women CEOs or MDs. It is a modest improvement that masks the stubborn resistance to real inclusion.
