Procter & Gamble (P&G) has announced the appointment of Indian-origin Shailesh Jejurikar as its new Chief Executive Officer. This historic appointment marks Jejurikar as the first India-born executive to lead the company, which has been a dominant force in the fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) sector worldwide for nearly two centuries.
Shailesh Jejurikar brings to the CEO position decades of rich experience at P&G, having joined the company early in his career and steadily climbed the leadership ladder. His deep understanding of markets, product innovation, and consumer behavior, combined with his expertise across diverse geographies, have positioned him as a visionary leader for the company.
Educated in India and having worked extensively in various P&G global divisions, Jejurikar is seen as a transformational figure capable of steering the company through the rapidly evolving consumer landscape, including shifts toward sustainability, digital transformation, and changing shopper preferences.
In his inaugural address as CEO, Jejurikar outlined a strategic vision centered around innovation, consumer-centric product development, and leveraging digital technologies to deepen market penetration. He emphasized sustainability and social responsibility as core pillars of P&G’s growth strategy, aiming to meet contemporary consumer values while driving business profitability.
Jejurikar stated, “Leading P&G into the future is a privilege. Our focus will be on continuous innovation, fostering an inclusive culture, and accelerating sustainable initiatives that resonate with consumers globally.”
Under Jejurikar’s leadership, P&G intends to bolster its footprint in emerging markets like India, Southeast Asia, and Africa, where rising middle-class consumers present substantial growth opportunities. His firsthand knowledge of these markets is expected to bring nuanced strategies tailored for local consumer needs and preferences, improving overall company agility and competitiveness.
Moreover, Jejurikar plans to strengthen P&G’s investment in cutting-edge research, including AI-driven data analytics and eco-friendly product lines, ensuring the company remains at the forefront of FMCG innovation.
Employees and stakeholders also expressed optimism about his collaborative leadership style known for empowering teams and fostering diversity and inclusion within the workplace.
