For the first time in its nearly two-century history, global consumer goods giant Procter & Gamble will be led by an Indian, and an Asian. Shailesh Jejurikar, 58, will become CEO of the 188-year-old company on January 1, 2026, succeeding John Moeller, who will move into the role of executive chairman. Jejurikar’s appointment marks a historic moment not just for P&G, but also for the global corporate landscape. He is the first CEO in the company’s history to have been entirely educated in India with schooling in Hyderabad, graduation in Mumbai, and an MBA from IIM Lucknow in 1989.
Founded in 1837, long before Abraham Lincoln took office, P&G has rarely been led by anyone outside the United States. Jejurikar, now a US citizen, will be only the second non-American to hold the position, following Netherlands-born Dirk Jager, who had a brief stint between 1999 and 2000. Jejurikar’s path to the top of one of the world’s most influential companies began in a small town outside Mumbai. (News18 Hindi)
Speaking on a P&G alumni podcast in 2023, he recalled how the nearest school was a 45-minute drive from his home. He later moved to Hyderabad for boarding school, where he discovered cricket, developed leadership skills, and was named head boy in Class 12. One of his most formative lessons, he said, came from a moment of personal failure. As head boy, he was responsible for ensuring dorm rooms were tidy. One morning, in a rush, he forgot to make his own bed. A chemistry teacher quietly corrected it without a word. The silent gesture left a mark. That taught me the greatest lesson, Jejurikar said, “Never ask someone to do something you can’t do yourself.” (News18 Hindi)
Jejurikar joined P&G in 1989 as an assistant brand manager. Over the decades, he held various roles across the globe, steadily moving up through the company’s leadership structure. His selection as CEO is the culmination of 36 years with the company. John Moeller, who has served as CEO since 2021, will remain with the company as executive chairman. The board has not set a time limit on his advisory role. (News18 Hindi)
P&G has announced that Jejurikar’s base salary will be $1.6 million. In addition, he’ll be eligible for a target bonus of $3.2 million. The board has also awarded him long-term equity worth $14 million, split equally between performance shares and incentive grants. (News18 Hindi)
Founded by English candlemaker William Procter and Irish soap maker James Gamble, P&G has evolved into a global powerhouse behind brands like Tide, Gillette, Pampers, and Pantene. With Jejurikar at the helm, it now takes a new step into a more inclusive and globally representative leadership era. (News18 Hindi)
