In a significant leadership move, global consumer goods giant Procter & Gamble (P&G) has announced that Shailesh Jejurikar, the current Chief Operating Officer, will take over as the company’s Chief Executive Officer starting January 1, 2026. Jejurikar will replace Jon Moeller, the current CEO and Chairman, as he retires from his executive duties.
This decision puts Jejurikar among the distinguished list of Indian-origin CEOs heading top multinational companies, joining the likes of Sundar Pichai (Google), Satya Nadella (Microsoft), Shantanu Narayen (Adobe), Arvind Krishna (IBM), Leena Nair (Chanel), and Neal Mohan (YouTube).
Who Is Shailesh Jejurikar?
Born and raised in India, Shailesh Jejurikar, 58, brings over three decades of experience with P&G, having climbed the ranks from a management trainee to now being named the incoming CEO. He completed his early education at Hyderabad Public School, where he studied alongside Satya Nadella, another global tech leader.
Jejurikar graduated from Elphinstone College, Mumbai, and went on to pursue an MBA from the Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Lucknow, one of India’s premier business schools. He joined P&G right after completing his MBA in 1989.
An Exemplary Career at P&G
Jejurikar began his P&G journey as an Assistant Brand Manager in the Personal Health Care division in India. Over the years, his leadership and innovative thinking helped him steadily rise through the ranks. His career has spanned multiple geographies including North America, Europe, Asia, and Latin America, and multiple categories such as Fabric Care, Home Care, and Enterprise Markets.
In October 2021, Jejurikar was appointed Chief Operating Officer, where he led strategic transformation across several business units and regions. As COO, he was instrumental in enhancing P&G’s global operations, including Supply Chain, Information Technology, and Global Business Services.
Board’s Vote of Confidence
P&G’s Lead Director Joe Jimenez praised Jejurikar’s appointment, stating:
“Shailesh has been an integral part of P&G’s leadership team with substantial contributions across multiple businesses and regions. He’s an outstanding leader, and the company will benefit greatly from his ongoing leadership.”
The company highlighted that Jejurikar played a pivotal role in building some of P&G’s most profitable business segments. His vision and execution capabilities have been key in driving sustainable growth and innovation.
Taking the Helm During Challenging Times
Jejurikar will assume leadership at a time when the consumer goods sector is navigating uncertainty stemming from geopolitical tensions, shifting consumer behavior, and global economic volatility. P&G recently revised its sales and profit outlook, citing tariff impacts and changing demand patterns.
Industry analysts believe Jejurikar’s global experience and deep understanding of operations will be critical in steering the company through these turbulent times.
Legacy and Future Vision
Having spent his entire professional career at P&G, Jejurikar represents stability, long-term commitment, and a deep-rooted understanding of the company culture. His appointment signals a continuation of strategic priorities while focusing on innovation, sustainability, and global growth.
As the incoming CEO, Shailesh Jejurikar is expected to lead with a balanced mix of operational excellence and human-centric leadership—hallmarks that have shaped his impressive journey so far.
With this landmark appointment, Shailesh Jejurikar is set to become one of the most influential Indian-origin business leaders in the world. His rise from Mumbai to the global helm of P&G reflects not only personal dedication but also the increasing global impact of Indian managerial talent. All eyes will now be on January 2026, as Jejurikar officially steps into one of the most powerful roles in the corporate world.