Procter & Gamble Taps Operations Veteran Jejurikar as New CEO

Leadership Transition Amidst Restructuring and Global Headwinds

Procter & Gamble is set to promote Chief Operating Officer Shailesh Jejurikar to the chief executive role, effective January 1, 2026. This move comes as the consumer goods giant navigates significant workforce restructuring, grappling with tariffs, and facing geopolitical challenges.

A New Era for the Consumer Goods Giant

Shailesh Jejurikar, 58, will officially assume leadership of P&G, succeeding current CEO Jon Moeller. Moeller will transition to an executive chairman position, focusing on board leadership and advising Jejurikar. The duration of Moeller‘s tenure as executive chairman will be determined by the P&G board.

“We thank Jon for his strategic leadership and guidance as he has played a pivotal role in designing and implementing P&G’s integrated portfolio, productivity and organization strategy, as part of one of the most significant transformations in the company’s history,” said Joe Jimenez, lead independent director on P&G’s board. “The company has continued to consistently deliver strong growth and value creation through Jon’s steady leadership as CEO. A strong plan is in place for sustained success and now is the time to transition to Shailesh as CEO. We are fortunate and grateful to have Jon continue as Executive Chairman.”

Damon Jones, P&G’s chief communications officer, highlighted Moeller‘s substantial contributions and legacy. Under Moeller‘s guidance, P&G has maintained its strong performance, ranking 149th on the Fortune 500 and recognized among the World’s Most Admired Companies.

Jejurikar’s Journey: From India to the Helm

Jejurikar‘s ascent follows a distinguished career within P&G, where he has served as COO since 2021 and previously led the global fabric and home care division. His tenure also includes leadership in global sustainability initiatives, integrating environmental and social goals with business operations.

P&G has outlined a compensation package for Jejurikar, including a $1.6 million salary and a potential $3.2 million bonus, alongside $14 million in long-term equity awards. Last year, Jejurikar‘s total compensation was approximately $10 million, while Moeller‘s reached $23 million.

A Legacy of Internal Succession

Founded in 1837, P&G maintains a strong tradition of promoting from within, having never hired an external CEO in its 174-year history. Jejurikar, a naturalized citizen, will be only the second CEO born outside the United States to lead the company, following a brief period in 1999-2000.

Jejurikar‘s formative years were spent in India, beginning his education in a rural area outside Mumbai. He later moved to Hyderabad, where boarding school shaped his personal development and leadership potential, culminating in being named head boy in his final year of high school. This experience instilled a core principle: never to ask anyone to do something I wouldn’t do myself.

After completing his MBA at the Indian Institute of Management in Lucknow, Jejurikar joined P&G in 1989 as an assistant brand manager, embarking on a multi-decade career with diverse global roles.

Navigating Future Growth

The company’s strategic restructuring plan, which includes brand exits, divestitures, and market withdrawals, was detailed in recent presentations. This initiative aims to streamline operations and focus on core strengths for sustained growth.

In a company statement, Jejurikar expressed his honor and confidence: P&G people, our brands, and our capabilities in innovation and operational excellence fuel my confidence for a future of sustained growth and value creation. Moeller echoed this sentiment, stating, I look forward to supporting Shailesh and the entire team as they continue to improve the performance and value of P&G brands and categories to win with consumers and customers around the world.

P&G’s commitment to internal development is evident in its succession planning. For instance, former CEO A.G. Lafley, who returned for a second term, prioritized identifying his successor, leading to the appointment of David Taylor in 2015. This “build from within” ethos ensures continuity and a deep understanding of the company’s culture and operations.

The company is currently focused on innovation in its product categories, such as its commitment to sustainable packaging. For example, P&G aims to have 100% of its packaging be recyclable or reusable by 2030, a key aspect of its forward-looking strategy (Fortune 2025).