Hina Nagarajan – A Trailblazing Leader Redefining Global Business Leadership
Hina Nagarajan is an Indian business leader renowned for her exceptional contributions to global business transformation and sustainable leadership. As President of Diageo Africa and a member of Diageo plc’s Global Executive Committee, she stands among the most influential women in international corporate circles. In addition to her role at Diageo, she serves as an Independent Non-Executive Director (NED) on the bp plc Board, further cementing her reputation as a visionary corporate strategist.
Her career, spanning over three and a half decades, has been defined by an ability to deliver sustained growth in diverse and challenging markets across Africa, China, Southeast Asia, and India. She is deeply respected for her focus on integrity, innovation and people-centred leadership.
Early Life and Education of Hina Nagarajan
Born in February 1965 in India, Hina Nagarajan (age 60 as of 2025) has a solid foundation in business and management education. She completed her Bachelor of Commerce (Hons) from the University of Delhi in 1985 and earned a Post-Graduate Diploma in Management (MBA) from the prestigious Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad (IIM-A) in 1987. She also studied at the Institute of Hotel Management, Catering and Nutrition, Pusa, New Delhi, demonstrating a broad academic background that combines management and service industry expertise.
Her early education at Modern School, Vasant Vihar, instilled in her the values of discipline, academic excellence and social responsibility that would later define her leadership style.
Professional Journey and Career Highlights
Early Career at Nestlé India
Hina began her career with Nestlé India Ltd. in 1987, where she spent over 13 years. She rose to become the Business Manager for Infant Nutrition and Milk, holding full P&L responsibility for these key divisions. Her time at Nestlé provided her with a strong foundation in consumer goods marketing, brand development and operational leadership.
Strategic Roles at ICI Paints and Mary Kay India
In 2000, she joined ICI Paints India Ltd. as General Manager of Marketing, Innovation and Strategy, spearheading strategic initiatives for one of India’s leading paint brands. Later, in 2007, she became Managing Director and Country Manager for Mary Kay India, where she successfully led the company’s entry and growth in the Indian market. Her role in building Mary Kay’s brand presence from scratch demonstrated her entrepreneurial and people-driven approach.
Leadership at Reckitt Benckiser
Hina Nagarajan’s next career milestone was with Reckitt Benckiser (RB), one of the world’s leading health and hygiene companies. From 2013 to 2018, she held several senior roles including:
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Managing Director, Malaysia & Singapore
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Senior Vice President and Regional Director for North Asia based in Beijing
She was also a Board Director for RB China, Hong Kong and Taiwan, managing operations in complex joint-venture settings and diverse cultural environments. Her leadership at RB helped the company strengthen its market footprint and build resilient teams across Asia.
Transformative Role at Diageo
Hina joined Diageo plc, the global spirits giant, in 2018 as Managing Director for Africa Emerging Markets, based in London. In 2021, she was appointed Managing Director & CEO of United Spirits Ltd (Diageo India), becoming the first woman to lead India’s largest spirits company. Under her leadership, Diageo India witnessed a comprehensive transformation — achieving sustained profitability, portfolio premiumisation and a strong focus on ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance) principles.
In April 2025, she transitioned to her current role as President of Diageo Africa, joining the company’s Global Executive Committee. She is responsible for driving growth across a continent that represents one of Diageo’s most dynamic and diverse regions.
Board Memberships and Industry Contributions
bp plc – Independent Non-Executive Director
Since March 2023, Hina Nagarajan has served as an Independent Non-Executive Director of bp plc, where she contributes to the Audit and People, Governance & Culture Committees. Her insights into emerging markets and ESG leadership strengthen bp’s sustainability agenda.
Other Board Roles
She has been a member of the Advertising Standards Council of India (ASCI), Director and Co-Chair of the International Spirits and Wine Association of India (ISWAI), and a board member of Guinness Ghana Breweries Plc and Seychelles Breweries Ltd. Her board presence reflects her commitment to responsible marketing, industry governance and community engagement.
Personal Life and Values
Hina Nagarajan is married to Arvind (Aravind) Nagarajan, and the couple divide their time between London and Bengaluru. In interviews, she has spoken about her husband’s support throughout her career, describing him as a pillar of strength. Her family life is rooted in balance and mutual respect, values that also guide her corporate philosophy.
A staunch believer in creating purposeful impact, Hina is passionate about mentoring young leaders and empowering women through education and career opportunities. She has actively championed Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives within Diageo and beyond, emphasising that diverse teams drive innovation and performance.
Awards and Recognition
Hina Nagarajan’s leadership has been celebrated globally through a series of prestigious honours:
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Fortune India Most Powerful Women in Business (2021–2025)
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Economic Times Businesswoman of the Year 2024
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Forbes India Icons of Excellence 2024
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ET Prime Women Leadership Awards – CEO of the Year 2023
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Business Today Most Powerful Women in Business 2021–2023
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Cranfield University Top 50 Women to Watch (2019)
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WeQual UK Inclusion & Diversity Award (2019)
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EMpower Top 100 Ethnic Minority Role Model (2019 & 2020)
These accolades recognise her impact on corporate diversity, sustainability and leadership excellence.
Leadership Style and Philosophy
Hina Nagarajan on Purpose-Driven Leadership
Hina believes that effective leadership is anchored in purpose, authenticity and values. Her mantra — “lead with purpose and performance” — has inspired a generation of leaders across Diageo and beyond. She often emphasises that corporate success and social impact are inseparable, urging businesses to build legacies that benefit both shareholders and society.
Focus on Sustainability and ESG
Under her guidance, Diageo India and now Diageo Africa have deepened their commitment to ESG goals — including carbon reduction, responsible alcohol consumption, water conservation and community empowerment. Hina also sits on the Steerco of Diageo’s global digital transformation initiative, overseeing how digital innovation can drive sustainability and inclusivity.
Legacy and Influence
Few leaders combine strategic clarity, emotional intelligence and social purpose as effectively as Hina Nagarajan. Her journey from Nestlé India to the boardrooms of London and Africa symbolises the rise of a new generation of Indian global leaders who blend business excellence with humanity.
As a leader, mentor and advocate for equity, Hina continues to inspire professionals across industries to create businesses that do well by doing good — a legacy that will undoubtedly shape the future of leadership in the decades to come.
FAQs
1. Who is Hina Nagarajan?
Hina Nagarajan is an accomplished Indian business executive currently serving as President of Diageo Africa and a member of Diageo plc’s Global Executive Committee. She is also an Independent Non-Executive Director on the bp plc Board.
2. What is Hina Nagarajan’s age?
As of 2025, Hina Nagarajan is 60 years old, born in February 1965, according to official UK Companies House filings for bp plc.
3. Who is Hina Nagarajan’s husband?
She is married to Arvind (Aravind) Nagarajan, whom she has described in interviews as a strong source of support throughout her global career.
4. What was Hina Nagarajan’s role at United Spirits Limited (USL)?
Hina Nagarajan served as the Managing Director and CEO of United Spirits Limited (Diageo India) from July 2021 to April 2025. During her tenure, she led a major transformation focusing on premiumisation, profitability, and ESG initiatives.
5. Where does Hina Nagarajan live?
She divides her time between London, United Kingdom, and Bengaluru, India, reflecting her global responsibilities with Diageo and her continued connection to India.
