Executive Shake-Up Shocks: 10 Powerful Leadership Moves Reshaping Top Brands in 2025

The corporate world is witnessing significant leadership changes as top brands realign their strategies for future growth. HUL appointed Priya Nair as CEO, banking on her beauty and FMCG expertise to tackle rising competition. Titan reshuffled its leadership, with Arun Narayan and Kuruvilla Markose taking charge of its jewellery and watches divisions, respectively. Apple promoted operations head Sabih Khan to COO, ensuring continuity in its supply chain and product execution.

In the automotive sector, Kia India’s Hardeep Brar moved to BMW India as CEO, while Vikram Pawah transitioned to lead BMW ANZ. Advertising giants like McCann and Burson also saw key hires, emphasizing data and client-focused growth. Notable exits include X’s Linda Yaccarino and TVS Motor’s Ananya Agrawal, signaling shifts in tech and auto marketing leadership. These moves highlight a broader trend of companies prioritizing experienced leaders to navigate evolving markets and consumer demands.

Executive Shake-Up Shocks: 10 Powerful Leadership Moves Reshaping Top Brands in 2025

The corporate world is witnessing a wave of high-profile executive movements, with seasoned leaders taking on new challenges across industries. From FMCG giants to automotive powerhouses and global ad agencies, these shifts signal strategic realignments and fresh visions for growth. Here’s a breakdown of the most significant moves and what they mean for the businesses involved.  

HUL Bets on Priya Nair to Navigate Competitive Waters 

Priya Nair, previously the business group president for Beauty & Wellbeing at Unilever, has been elevated to CEO and MD of Hindustan Unilever (HUL). Nair, who managed a massive €12 billion portfolio, steps into her new role as HUL faces stiff competition from nimble local players and shifting consumer demands. Her deep understanding of India’s beauty and personal care market could be pivotal in reinforcing HUL’s dominance.  

Titan’s Jewellery and Watches Divisions Get New Leaders 

Tata Group’s Titan Company is preparing for its next growth phase with two key appointments:  

• Arun Narayan, currently leading Tanishq’s India business, will become CEO of the Jewellery Division from January 2026.  

• Kuruvilla Markose, CEO of Titan’s International Business Division, will take over as CEO of the Watches Division from August 2025, succeeding Suparna Mitra. 

These transitions highlight Titan’s focus on strengthening its core businesses amid rising competition in India’s luxury and lifestyle segments.  

Apple’s Operations Chief Sabih Khan Steps Up as COO 

Sabih Khan, Apple’s senior vice president of operations, will assume the role of chief operating officer, succeeding longtime Apple veteran Jeff Williams. While Williams will continue advising CEO Tim Cook, Khan’s promotion underscores Apple’s emphasis on seamless operational execution as it navigates supply chain complexities and new product launches.  

BMW India Hands Over the Wheel to Kia’s Hardeep Brar 

Hardeep Singh Brar, former head of marketing and sales at Kia India, is now the president and CEO of BMW Group India. With experience across Maruti Suzuki, Volkswagen, and Nissan, Brar’s expertise in India’s auto market will be crucial as BMW aims to expand its premium vehicle footprint.  

Meanwhile, Vikram Pawah, Brar’s predecessor, moves to BMW Group ANZ as CEO, marking another strategic reshuffle within the German automaker’s global leadership.  

Advertising and Media: New Faces at the Helm 

• Stacey Ryan Cornelius, ex-global CFO of Ogilvy, joins Burson in the same role, bringing her financial acumen from WPP and Publicis.  

• Ida Rezvani, previously with Publicis Groupe, is now president and global chief client officer at McCann Worldgroup, signaling McCann’s push for stronger client relationships.  

• Anil K Pandit of Publicis Media rises to managing partner for data strategy and partnerships, reflecting the growing importance of data-driven marketing. 

Notable Exits and Industry Shifts 

• Linda Yaccarino, CEO of X (formerly Twitter), steps down after a tumultuous tenure marked by platform rebranding and advertiser challenges.  

• Ananya Agrawal, global head of digital marketing at TVS Motor, departs, leaving behind a legacy of digital transformation in the auto sector.  

• Salil Dalal, Pidilite’s construction chemicals business head, exits, sparking speculation about his next move in the chemicals or FMCG space. 

Other Key Moves 

• Kausalya Nandakumar (ex-Mahindra Electric) joins Hero MotoCorp as chief business officer, a critical hire as Hero accelerates its EV ambitions.  

• Atul Sood (Toyota Kirloskar) takes over as SVP of sales and marketing at Kia India, tasked with sustaining Kia’s growth momentum.  

• Ashutosh Gupta (ex-Google, LinkedIn) becomes Coursera’s MD for India & APAC, a role pivotal for the edtech giant’s expansion in upskilling and higher education. 

What These Moves Signal 

These leadership changes reflect broader industry trends:  

• Consumer Goods: Companies like HUL and Titan are doubling down on internal talent to drive innovation amid competition.  

• Automotive: BMW and Kia are leveraging local expertise to capture India’s premium and mass markets.  

• Tech & Media: Firms like Apple and McCann are prioritizing operational excellence and client-centric strategies. 

As these executives settle into their new roles, their success will hinge on adapting to evolving market dynamics while maintaining brand legacy. One thing is clear—the corporate chessboard is being rearranged, and the next few months will reveal who emerges as the game-changers.