Unilever, the multinational consumer goods company, has appointed Mairead Nayager as its new chief people officer (CPO), effective 1 June. In her new role, Nayager will manage Unilever’s diverse workforce, while focusing on its intricate operational landscape, creating an agile, diverse and future-ready team.
The move coincides with the impending retirement of Nitin Paranjpe, the current chief people officer, who has dedicated an impressive 37 years to the company.
Backed by over two decades of experience in human resources, Nayager brings a wealth of expertise to her role. Prior to joining Unilever, she was associated with Haleon as its chief human resources officer (CHRO). She joined the company in 2022.
Nayager began her career with Irish Business and Employers Confederation in the year 2003. Having joined the company as an IR/HR executive, she served the role for close to three years. She then moved to Diageo, Ireland, as its employee relations manager in 2006. After close to two years, she was elevated to the role of HR business partner in the company.
In Feb 2010, Nayager moved to the company’s Africa branch, taking charge as its talent, organisational effectiveness (OE), and commercial director-HR. During this over two-year stint, she was responsible for the talent and organisation effectiveness strategy for the Africa region.
In March 2012, she joined Brandhouse Beverages as director-HR, which is based out of Africa’s Cape Town.
In January 2015, Nayager retuned to Diageo as director-HR, and was based out of its London office. In October 2015, she was elevated to the role of chief HR officer and held the role for close to seven years, before moving to Haleon.
An alumna of Trinity College, Nayager holds a post-graduate degree in business from the Smurfit Business School. Additionally, she has a diploma in employment law from the National College of Ireland.
