In an era where corporate leadership is rapidly globalizing, Shailesh Jejurikar stands out as a shining example of ambition, resilience, and values-driven leadership. On January 1, 2026, he will become the President and Chief Executive Officer of Procter & Gamble (P&G), a landmark moment not only for the company but also for aspiring leaders across the world.
As the first India-born CEO of P&G in its 187-year history, Shailesh Jejurikar, P&G CEO, is a title that embodies much more than a corporate position—it signifies the breaking of boundaries and the rise of diverse global leadership.
Shailesh Jejurikar: From Mumbai’s Humble Roots to Global Leadership
Born in Mumbai to a Maharashtrian father and a Gujarati mother, Jejurikar’s early years were shaped by a middle-class upbringing in company colonies, where community and curiosity nurtured his early dreams. His father’s corporate job had the family moving frequently—an experience that exposed young Shailesh to diverse environments and kindled his cultural adaptability.
His formative education took place at the prestigious Hyderabad Public School, where he was head boy—a role that foreshadowed his leadership potential. Among his classmates was future Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella. Jejurikar, an accomplished under-17 cricketer for Hyderabad, demonstrated early on that excellence across academics and extracurriculars was his hallmark.
Building a Career on Purpose and Performance
After earning a degree in Economics from Elphinstone College, Jejurikar went on to complete his MBA from IIM Lucknow in 1989—one of India’s top business schools. That same year, he joined P&G as an Assistant Brand Manager in India, embarking on what would become a remarkable 36-year journey.
Jejurikar didn’t climb the corporate ladder—he built it rung by rung across continents and sectors. From early roles in Personal Health and Skin Care in India, to marketing leadership in East Africa and Southeast Asia, he demonstrated a keen ability to resonate with consumers, understand local markets, and scale businesses sustainably.
By 2000, he was entrusted with leading regional operations across ASEAN, Australia, and India, and by 2010, he had become Vice President of Home Care North America. His trajectory reflected his reputation for delivering consistent performance across geographies and business lines.
Shailesh Jejurikar: Mastering Innovation at Scale
Perhaps Jejurikar’s most defining corporate chapter came when he became the CEO of P&G’s Global Fabric & Home Care division in 2019. Overseeing iconic brands like Tide, Ariel, Downy, Febreze, Gain, and Swiffer, he managed a business that accounts for one-third of P&G’s revenue and earnings.
His secret? A winning formula of R&D-led innovation, efficient supply chain orchestration, bold brand storytelling, and purposeful sustainability. Under his guidance, these household brands didn’t just clean homes—they reshaped the category through eco-conscious formulations, powerful marketing, and superior consumer experience.
Sustainability with Substance
Beyond business metrics, Jejurikar’s leadership was also defined by conscience. As Executive Sponsor for Global Sustainability from 2016 to 2021, he helped integrate environmental and social sustainability into P&G’s daily business operations.
Rather than treating sustainability as an obligation, Jejurikar saw it as an opportunity—for innovation, for employee engagement, and for delivering long-term stakeholder value. His belief in “growth with responsibility” has made him a vanguard of ethical leadership in the modern corporate world.
The COO Who Redefined Enterprise Markets
Appointed Chief Operating Officer in 2021, Jejurikar has since overseen operations across Latin America, India, Southeast Asia, Africa, Eastern Europe, and the Middle East—markets often referred to as “Enterprise Markets” at P&G. In this role, he also led Global Sales, IT, Market Operations, Supply Chain, New Business Development, and more.
This global scope required more than technical skill—it demanded vision, empathy, and executional excellence. Jejurikar led with clarity, harmonizing P&G’s capabilities across cultural lines and market complexities, while maintaining a sharp focus on growth and consumer-centricity.
A Symbol of Possibility for India and the World
Jejurikar’s ascent to the top of one of the world’s most valuable companies is monumental for India, not just because of his heritage, but because of what it represents—a celebration of merit, perseverance, and global integration.
From an Indian MBA graduate navigating brand management in the early ’90s, to the helm of a multinational with over 100,000 employees and $84 billion in annual sales, Shailesh Jejurikar, P&G CEO, isn’t just a career story—it’s a masterclass in leadership and vision.
Shailesh Jejurikar: Beyond the Boardroom – A Life of Purpose
Outside P&G, Jejurikar has actively contributed to civic and industry causes. He chairs the board of the Cincinnati Center City Development Corp. (3CDC), and has served on boards of institutions like OTIS Elevator Co., The Christ Hospital, and ACI–American Cleaning Institute.
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