India-born Shailesh Jejurikar Named Next CEO of Procter & Gamble
American FMCG giant Procter & Gamble has appointed India-born Shailesh Jejurikar as its next Chief Executive Officer, effective January 1, 2026. An alumnus of IIM Lucknow, Jejurikar joined P&G in 1989 and currently serves as its Chief Operating Officer. His appointment places him in an elite group of Indian-origin executives leading major global corporations, including Microsoft's Satya Nadella and Google's Sundar Pichai, highlighting a significant trend in international business leadership.
Unpacked:
Shailesh Jejurikar becoming CEO marks the first time in P&G’s 187-year history that an Indian-born executive will lead the company, reflecting the growing influence of Indian-origin leaders in global business and expanding diversity at the top of major multinational firms.
Jejurikar joined P&G in 1989 as an assistant brand manager in India and has since held senior roles across North America, Europe, Asia, and Latin America, including leadership in Fabric and Home Care, Enterprise Markets, and, most recently, as Chief Operating Officer overseeing global operations.
The transition comes as P&G manages a major workforce restructuring, including a 15% cut in non-manufacturing jobs, and navigates global challenges like tariffs and geopolitical headwinds. The leadership change is part of a planned succession aiming for continued stability and growth.
Jon Moeller will become Executive Chairman, leading the board and advising Jejurikar as CEO. This structure allows for continuity in strategic guidance during the leadership transition, with the board deciding how long Moeller remains in the chairman role.