Online gaming in India is among the world’s most vibrant, says MoS I&B Dr L Murugan at Storyboard18 DES 2025

Opinion Trading platform is betting and gambling: MC Sarangan of TNOGA  at Storyboard18 DES 2025

Digital adex now accounts for over 55% of India’s M&E spend: MIB's Sanjay Jaju at Storyboard18 DES 2025

Game on! Gaming creators bets gaming being India’s next creative economy

Digital Entertainment Summit 2025: The Highlights

Nobody’s Perfect Retro Porsche Ad

In Conversation With Raja Rajamannar, Mastercard

Shahid Kapoor And Varun Ganjoo Speaks On PokerBaazi's Campaign

In conversation with IHCL’s Puneet Chhatwal & GroupM’s Kate Scott-Dawkins

Why are brands including e-sports in their sports marketing itinerary?

Storyboard18 x The English Nut: How to pronounce these 10 brand names

Experts' Take On Reinvention Of Ad Campaigns Through Technology

Experts Speak On Key Emerging Trends In Cannes Lions Entries

Leaders of the future have to be outstanding human beings: Nestle MD

In conversation with VMLY&R’s Hari Ramanathan

When Priya Nair was announced as the first woman to lead Hindustan Unilever Limited (HUL) in its 92-year history this week, it marked a milestone not only for the country's largest fast-moving consumer goods company but also for gender representation across corporate India’s upper echelons.

<a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/brand-makers/who-is-priya-nair-the-first-ever-female-ceo-and-md-of-hul-73897.htm">Read more: Who is Priya Nair - the first-ever female CEO and MD of HUL?</a>

<a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/brand-makers/priya-nair-appointed-new-ceo-and-md-of-hindustan-unilever-replaces-rohit-jawa-73880.htm">Read more: Priya Nair appointed new CEO and MD of Hindustan Unilever, to succeed Rohit Jawa</a>

But for Nair, who steps into the role of CEO and Managing Director on August 1, 2025, the moment is also a testament to quieter, deeply personal lessons learned from the woman who inspired her earliest sense of purpose: her mother.

“My strongest female role model has been my mother,” Nair wrote in Storyboard18 in 2022, reflecting on the formative influence that shaped her leadership. Her mother, a doctor who runs a small clinic in the alleys of Mumbai, has spent decades caring for underprivileged patients, charging minimal fees and serving through the COVID-19 pandemic, even after contracting the virus herself.

“It’s from her that I have learnt the power of purpose, to keep yourself going at all costs,” Nair wrote. “If you are fortunate enough to discover your purpose, which I have in my work, you will have the strength to manage all volatility and uncertainty.”

She wrote: "I have learnt that it is the power of the inner compass that gives you conviction, energy, and optimism." 

Nair’s appointment comes at a time of transition for HUL as Rohit Jawa steps down after a short tenure. Having led Unilever’s beauty and wellbeing business globally, Nair returns to lead HUL with nearly three decades of experience building some of India’s most beloved brands and shaping category strategies in a rapidly changing market.

But beneath the strategies and quarterly results lies a leadership philosophy anchored in two lessons learned from her mother: the power of an inner compass and the commitment to lifelong learning. Even in her late seventies, Nair’s mother attends seminars and keeps up with medical advancements, taking notes diligently and sharpening her practice.

“This learning agility is very critical in management,” Nair wrote, adding that the fast pace of change requires leaders to continuously learn not just on the job but also from peers and industry. It is a mindset that drove her to enroll in a Harvard Executive Leadership Program after 25 years of corporate experience, returning to the classroom to refine her skills.

“My mother has raised two successful daughters,” Nair shared. Her sister is a respected surgical oncologist at Tata Hospital, and Nair herself is now poised to lead one of India’s most valuable companies, influencing the lives of millions of consumers across the country.

Nair’s journey stands as a reminder that even the highest offices in corporate India are often built on the quiet, steadfast examples set at home. As she prepares to lead HUL into its next chapter, the lessons learned from a mother who serves with humility and purpose will continue to guide her through the complexities of business — and beyond.

“We definitely need more women who raise their daughters strong,” Nair concluded.

<a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/brand-makers/hul-announces-priya-nair-as-ceo-and-md-73882.htm">Read more: HUL announces Priya Nair as CEO and MD</a>


'She taught me purpose': How Priya Nair’s mother shaped HUL’s first woman CEO

In a leadership transition at one of India’s largest consumer goods companies, Hindustan Unilever Limited (HUL) announced that Rohit Jawa will step down as Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director on July 31, 2025, closing a chapter in a career that has spanned nearly four decades across Unilever’s global operations.

<a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/brand-makers/who-is-priya-nair-the-first-ever-female-ceo-and-md-of-hul-73897.htm">Read more: Who is Priya Nair - the first-ever female CEO and MD of HUL?</a>

Jawa, who took over as CEO and MD in 2023, guided HUL through challenging market conditions, introducing the “ASPIRE” strategy aimed at transforming the company’s portfolio and channels toward high-growth demand spaces while delivering volume-led competitive growth.

“On behalf of the Board of HUL, I would like to thank Rohit for leading the business through tough market conditions and strengthening its foundations for success. The Company took decisive actions to sharpen the portfolio and further stepped up its market leadership over the last two years. I wish him the very best for the next chapter in his life,” said Nitin Paranjpe, Chairman of HUL.

Jawa’s journey with Unilever began in 1988 as a management trainee at HUL, followed by leadership roles that shaped Unilever’s presence across Asia. As EVP North Asia and Chairman of Unilever China, he helped transform China into Unilever’s third-largest market globally, championing digitalisation, premiumisation, and guiding the business through the COVID-19 crisis. In the Philippines, he led Unilever’s operations to become one of the company’s top 10 markets worldwide.

A graduate of St Stephen’s College with an MBA from the Faculty of Management Studies, University of Delhi, Jawa has also completed executive programs at IMD Business School and Harvard Business School. His leadership extends beyond corporate corridors, having served as the founding Secretary of Food Industry Asia and participating in initiatives for sustainable agriculture and inclusive business models in Asia.

To succeed him, HUL announced the appointment of Priya Nair as Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director effective August 1, 2025. Nair, currently President, Beauty & Wellbeing at Unilever, will also join the HUL Board, subject to necessary approvals, and continue as a member of the Unilever Leadership Executive (ULE).

Nair, who joined HUL in 1995, has held several leadership roles across Home Care, Beauty & Wellbeing, and Personal Care. She previously served as Executive Director, Home Care, HUL between 2014 and 2020, and Executive Director, Beauty & Personal Care, HUL from 2020 to 2022, before taking on global roles including Chief Marketing Officer and later President of Beauty & Wellbeing at Unilever, one of the company’s fastest-growing segments.

The leadership change at HUL, a bellwether of India’s FMCG sector, signals both continuity and a generational shift as the company sharpens its focus on premiumisation, digital transformation, and sustainability while maintaining its dominance in the world’s most competitive consumer market.

<a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/brand-makers/hul-announces-priya-nair-as-ceo-and-md-73882.htm">Read more: HUL announces Priya Nair as CEO and MD</a>



Rohit Jawa to step down as CEO of Hindustan Unilever, Priya Nair named as successor

Priya Nair, who has spent nearly three decades crafting some of India's and the world's most successful consumer brands, will become the next managing director and chief executive officer of Hindustan Unilever, the company announced today. Her appointment marks a significant moment for the consumer goods giant, as it elevates a homegrown leader to its top post during a period of profound shifts in the consumption landscape. Storyboard18 was the first to report the appointment of Nair as HUL's new CEO and MD. 

<a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/brand-makers/priya-nair-appointed-new-ceo-and-md-of-hindustan-unilever-replaces-rohit-jawa-73880.htm">Read more: Priya Nair appointed new CEO and MD of Hindustan Unilever, to succeed Rohit Jawa</a>

Nair, who in January 2024 was named business group president for beauty and wellbeing at Unilever, overseeing a €12 billion portfolio across hair care, skin care, prestige beauty and health supplements, returns to lead HUL at a time when the company is navigating rising competition from agile local players and evolving consumer preferences across urban and rural India.

Having joined HUL in 1995, Nair built her early career in sales and marketing across home, beauty and personal care, earning a reputation for sharp consumer insight and an instinct for brand storytelling that resonates across diverse markets. She has led turnarounds of underperforming categories, reshaped portfolios and driven cost transformation initiatives aimed at building a more sustainable, future-ready business.

Before taking up her global role at Unilever, Nair served as the global chief marketing officer for the beauty and wellbeing business, managing global revenue, brand equity, innovation pipelines and digital marketing initiatives. Her tenure at Unilever has highlighted her ability to scale brands while anchoring them in local relevance, a skill that will be critical as she steers HUL’s growth in a price-sensitive yet aspirational market.

<a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/brand-makers/hul-announces-priya-nair-as-ceo-and-md-73882.htm">Read more: HUL announces Priya Nair as CEO and MD</a>

“I have learnt that if you are fortunate enough to discover your purpose, you will have the strength to manage all volatility and uncertainty,” Nair told Storyboard18 in 2022. She added that continuous learning has been key to her leadership, describing learning agility as 'critical in management, as we see the world change at an increasing speed.'

Nair’s leadership comes at a time when HUL, India’s largest fast-moving consumer goods company, faces both macroeconomic headwinds and the need to capture demand in a rapidly digitizing consumer market. Industry observers will watch closely to see how she balances the company’s growth ambitions with profitability while navigating a landscape that is increasingly defined by environmental sustainability, digital disruption and the demands of young consumers.

Nair’s elevation to CEO makes her one of the few women to lead a company of HUL’s scale in India, signaling a shift in leadership pipelines at top corporate ranks. As she prepares to take the helm, Nair brings with her not just decades of brand-building experience, but also a belief in purpose-driven leadership that has guided her through one of the most successful careers in India’s consumer goods industry.

<strong>History</strong>

2025: CEO and MD, Hindustan Unilever

2024: Business Group President, Beauty & Wellbeing

2022: Global Chief Marketing Officer, Beauty & Wellbeing

2021: Executive Director & EVP South Asia – Beauty & Personal Care for Hindustan Unilever

2014: Executive Director South Asia – leading Home Care for Hindustan Unilever

2012: Appointed to Hindustan Unilever Management Board to lead Beauty & Personal Care

1995 — 2012: Sales and Marketing roles in Hindustan Unilever across Home Care and Beauty & Personal Care

Nair is married to entrepreneur Manmohan Nair, and they have a daughter, Mehak. Outside of work, she enjoys painting, reading, and is an avid film enthusiast.

<a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/brand-makers/she-taught-me-purpose-how-priya-nairs-mother-shaped-huls-first-woman-ceo-73928.htm">Read more: 'She taught me purpose': How Priya Nair’s mother shaped HUL’s first woman CEO</a>

<a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/brand-makers/from-cmo-to-ceo-unilevers-global-cmo-priya-nair-in-the-running-hindustan-unilevers-ceo-position-4038.htm">Read more: From CMO to CEO: Unilever’s global CMO Priya Nair in the running for Hindustan Unilever's CEO position?</a>

<a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/brand-marketing/40-of-spends-are-on-digital-media-over-12000-influencers-collaborate-with-our-brands-huls-nitin-paranjpe-72472.htm">Read more: '40% of spends are on digital media; Over 12,000 influencers collaborate with our brands': HUL's Nitin Paranjpe</a>

Who is Priya Nair - the first-ever female CEO and MD of HUL?

Hindustan Unilever Limited (HUL) today announced that Priya Nair, currently President, Beauty & Wellbeing, Unilever, will be appointed Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director, HUL, effective 1st August 2025. She will also join the HUL Board, subject to necessary approvals, and continue to be a member of the Unilever Leadership Executive (ULE).

<a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/brand-makers/who-is-priya-nair-the-first-ever-female-ceo-and-md-of-hul-73897.htm">Read more: Who is Priya Nair - the first-ever female CEO and MD of HUL?</a>

<a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/brand-makers/women-of-hul-from-leena-nair-to-prabha-narasimhan-hindustan-unilever-has-created-iconic-female-leaders-33360.htm">Read more: Women of HUL: From Leena Nair to Prabha Narasimhan, Hindustan Unilever has created iconic female leaders</a>

Nair joined HUL in 1995 and held several sales and marketing roles across Home Care, Beauty & Wellbeing, and Personal Care businesses. Her significant contributions led her to become the Executive Director, Home Care, HUL between 2014 and 2020, thereafter, the Executive Director, Beauty & Personal Care, HUL from 2020 to 2022. Subsequently, she went on to become the Global Chief Marketing Officer, Beauty & Wellbeing at Unilever. Since 2023, Priya has had a successful tenure as President of Beauty & Wellbeing, one of Unilever’s fastest growing businesses.

Rohit Jawa will step down as CEO and MD on 31st July 2025 to pursue the next chapter in his personal and professional journey.

Jawa took over as the CEO and MD of HUL in 2023. During his tenure of over two years, the company delivered volume-led competitive growth. He introduced the ‘ASPIRE’ strategy that is driving the business to transform portfolio and channels towards high-growth demand spaces. Rohit has held many notable roles across his successful 37-year career, including Executive Vice President North Asia and Chair Unilever China, and Chair of Unilever Philippines, two of the most important Unilever operations, in which he achieved notable success. 

<a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/brand-makers/priya-nair-appointed-new-ceo-and-md-of-hindustan-unilever-replaces-rohit-jawa-73880.htm">Read more: Priya Nair appointed new CEO and MD of Hindustan Unilever, to succeed Rohit Jawa</a>

Thanking Jawa for his invaluable leadership, Nitin Paranjpe, Chairman HUL said, “On behalf of the Board of HUL, I would like to thank Rohit for leading the business through tough market conditions and strengthening its foundations for success. The Company took decisive actions to sharpen the portfolio and further stepped up its market leadership over the last two years.  I wish him the very best for the next chapter in his life.”

Welcoming Nair back to India and to HUL, Nitin added, “Priya has had an outstanding career in HUL and Unilever. I am certain that with her deep understanding of the Indian market and excellent track record, Priya will take HUL to the next level of performance.”

<a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/brand-makers/from-cmo-to-ceo-unilevers-global-cmo-priya-nair-in-the-running-hindustan-unilevers-ceo-position-4038.htm">Read more: From CMO to CEO: Unilever’s global CMO Priya Nair in the running for Hindustan Unilever's CEO position?</a>

<a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/brand-makers/who-is-priya-nair-unilevers-new-group-president-managing-a-12-billion-euro-global-business-19747.htm">Read more: Who is Priya Nair - Unilever's new group President managing a 12 billion euro global business?</a>


HUL announces Priya Nair as CEO and MD

Hero MotoCorp Ltd., a manufacturer of motorcycles and scooters, has appointed Kausalya Nandakumar as chief business officer – emerging mobility business unit. 


In this role, Nandakumar will report to Pawan Munjal, executive chairman, and will be responsible for steering the strategic direction and growth of Hero MotoCorp’s emerging mobility business—Vida.


Nandakumar brings nearly two decades of leadership experience spanning the automotive, electric mobility, digital innovation, and social impact sectors. She is widely recognized for driving business transformation, scaling high-growth ventures, fostering innovation, and championing diversity. Her appointment underscores Hero MotoCorp’s commitment to shaping the future of mobility through cutting-edge technologies and new growth platforms, including Vida.


Nandakumar joins Hero MotoCorp after a 18-year career with the Mahindra Group, where she held several key leadership roles and played an instrumental role in building and scaling new businesses. Most recently, as chief operating officer of Mahindra Electric Automobile Ltd., she led the operational readiness and go-to-market strategy for the company’s electric SUV business valued at USD 9.8 billion.


Earlier in her career, she headed Business Transformation for Mahindra’s Farm Division and was instrumental in building “Krish-e” - the company’s farming-as-a-service platform, driving its strategy, marketing, and operational excellence. At Glyd, Mahindra’s electric shared mobility business, she had end-to-end responsibility for operations and the technology platform development.


As CEO of SmartShift, Nandakumar envisioned and built one of India’s first digital logistics platforms, transforming it into a multimillion-dollar enterprise. She also led a major CSR initiative for the group and played a pivotal role in advancing the electric vehicle ecosystem by supporting the development of critical enablers such as the vehicle charging infrastructure.


Academically, Nandakumar holds an MBA in marketing from Narsee Monjee Institute of Management Studies (NMIMS), Mumbai, and Bachelor’s degree in Electronics & Instrumentation Engineering from Mumbai University. 


<strong>Read More:</strong> <a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/brand-makers/hero-motocorp-elevates-ashutosh-varma-to-cbo-india-business-unit-55386.htm">Hero MotoCorp elevates Ashutosh Varma to CBO - India Business Unit</a>


Hero MotoCorp appoints Kausalya Nandakumar as Chief Business Officer - Emerging Mobility Business Unit

Amrendra Saxena, Director and Business Head – IoT Devices at Flipkart, has announced his departure from the company after a decade-long journey. In a farewell shared on social media, Saxena reflected on a journey filled with landmark projects, category leadership and transformative e-commerce experiences that shaped both his professional trajectory and Flipkart’s growth story.

<iframe src="https://www.linkedin.com/embed/feed/update/urn:li:share:7347492624993251328" height="1049" width="504" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="" title="Embedded post"></iframe>

Saxena joined Flipkart in July 2015 as a management trainee in the Mobiles category and quickly rose through the ranks, handling critical roles across business development, mobile phones, events and promotions, customer loyalty, and most recently, the rapidly evolving IoT devices space. His work spanned iconic moments such as mobile flash sales that once crashed the app, shaping Flipkart’s Big Billion Days strategy, and architecting new loyalty experiences like the externalization of SuperCoins to D2C brands.

Read More: <a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/brand-makers/ogilvys-stacey-ryan-cornelius-joins-burson-as-global-chief-financial-officer-73775.htm">Ogilvy's Stacey Ryan Cornelius joins Burson as Global Chief Financial Officer</a>

In his current role since June 2024, Saxena led the IoT Devices Category, including smartwatches, bands, rings, and other connected wearables. Previously, he spearheaded customer loyalty and retention, expanding the company’s engagement and rewards programs to create a massive loyalty ecosystem.

Reflecting on his time, Saxena noted, “What stands out isn’t just the projects or metrics, but the people and shared memories that made this decade truly special.” He also hinted at an exciting next chapter, to be revealed soon.

Read More: <a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/brand-makers/mount-everest-breweries-appoints-vinod-babu-g-as-ceo-73800.htm">Mount Everest Breweries appoints Vinod Babu G as CEO</a>

Read More: <a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/brand-makers/cindy-rose-to-succeed-mark-read-as-wpp-ceo-73778.htm">Microsoft's Cindy Rose to succeed Mark Read as WPP CEO</a>

Flipkart’s IoT Business Head Amrendra Saxena exits after 10 years

Mount Everest Breweries Ltd. announced the appointment of Vinod Babu G as its new chief executive officer.


Babu, with over 19 years of experience in the FMCG and alcoholic beverages sector, will lead MEBL’s overall business operations and growth agenda. Babu has previously held leadership roles at Anheuser-Busch InBev India and SABMiller India, where he led key brand launches, market expansions, and built high-performing teams across regions.


“We are thrilled to welcome Vinod into the MEBL family,” said Vedant Kedia, wholetime director, Mount Everest Breweries Ltd. “Vinod’s proven leadership, strategic vision, and deep understanding of the evolving beer landscape in India and beyond make him the perfect fit to guide MEBL’s next phase of growth. We are confident that under his leadership, MEBL will continue to scale new heights, strengthen its premium brand portfolio, and solidify its position as a leader in the Indian beer market.”


“I am truly excited to be part of Mount Everest Breweries at such a pivotal moment in its journey,” quoted Babu G, the new CEO of MEBL. “With its strong legacy and ambitious vision, MEBL is uniquely positioned to lead the next wave of innovation and premiumization in the Indian beer industry. My goal is to build on this foundation and work closely with our teams to grow MEBL into the largest Indian beer company by 2030. Together, we will create iconic brands, strengthen our operational footprint, and unlock new growth opportunities across India and beyond.”


<strong>Read More:</strong> <a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/brand-makers/kiran-mazumdar-shaw-steps-down-as-the-director-of-united-breweries-38545.htm">Kiran Mazumdar Shaw steps down as the Director of United Breweries</a> 

Mount Everest Breweries appoints Vinod Babu G as CEO

Stacey Ryan Cornelius, who led Ogilvy as the global chief financial officer, has joined Burson as their global CFO.

In a note, she shared, "I have spent the better part of my 26-year career at WPP at Ogilvy, learning and laughing with all the Ogilvy giants past and present. Working in David Ogilvy's world for so long, my affinity for creativity, impact, client service, culture and reputation has been very well cultivated. My legacy and impact on Ogilvy's business and culture is one of the greatest accomplishments of my career. And my friends and colleagues of Ogilvy hold a special place in my heart."


The note further stated, "That's easy, I answer the call to join Burson, the powerhouse in public relations and communications as their Global CFO, effective this week. This is a truly exciting time to be joining Burson having celebrated their 1-year anniversary since their merger with Hill & Knowlton. I am particularly drawn to Burson's Earned Reputation Strategy and their commitment to leveraging technology to deliver higher-value offerings to clients."


She added, "The recent launch of Reputation Capital, a technology platform and consulting framework using advanced AI and vast data analysis to help clients understand the relationship between proven drivers of reputation and business outcomes such as stock price, sales and purchase intent, reflects their massive commitment to innovation."


Cornelius started her career at PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) where she gained experience in auditing major multinational production, advertising and publishing clients and complex merger, acquisition, and IPO transactions.


In 1999, she joined Ogilvy & Mather, and during her 19-year tenure she held various regional and global financial leadership positions, including serving as the company’s Worldwide Controller until 2018. After leaving Ogilvy, Cornelius went on to be the global chief financial officer of WPP Health & Wellness where she spent 15 months restructuring the portfolio, executing key transformation initiatives and delivering financial and strategic direction across 64 operating units in the US, Canada, EMEA and Asia. 


Cornelius also served as global CFO and COO of Geometry Global, where she was a driving force behind launching a restructuring a transformation plan to drive growth and strengthen the financial health of the company. This transformation led to Geometry’s relaunch as VMLY&R Commerce in 2020. 


<strong>Read More:</strong> <a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/brand-marketing/grey-folds-into-ogilvy-as-wpps-strategic-reorganization-continues-65830.htm">Global agencies shake-up: Grey moves under Ogilvy as WPP reshapes creative holdings</a> 

Ogilvy's Stacey Ryan Cornelius joins Burson as Global Chief Financial Officer

Christian Horner, team principal and CEO, of Red Bull Racing, a Formula One racing team, has been released from his position with immediate effect, thus drawing curtains on his 20-year association. Horner will be replaced by Laurent Mekies, principal of Red Bull Racing's sister team, Racing Bulls. Alan Permane, Racing Bulls' racing director will succeed Mekies. 

The move of his surprise removal, which was confirmed on June 9 by Red Bull GmbH, parent company of Red Bull Racing, comes just over 17 months when Horner was accused of inappropriate behaviour by an employee. However, his name got cleared later by an investigation.

Between 2010 and 2013, Horner oversaw four drivers’ and constructors’ world championships with Sebastian Vettel. Under Horner's leadership, Red Bull won eight drivers' championships and six constructors' championships. He assumed the responsibilities of team principal and CEO when Red Bull bought the Jaguar team towards the end of 2004. 

 
<strong>Read More:</strong> <a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/brand-makers/red-bull-appoints-former-liverpool-manager-jurgen-klopp-as-global-head-of-soccer-44617.htm">Red Bull appoints former Liverpool manager Jürgen Klopp as Global Head of Soccer</a> 



Red Bull Racing parts ways with Team Principal & CEO Christian Horner

Linda Yaccarino, chief executive officer of X (formerly Twitter), has announced that she is stepping down from her position. Yaccarino, who assumed the role in 2023, shared in a note on X, "After two incredible years, I’ve decided to step down as CEO of ?. When Elon Musk and I first spoke of his vision for X, I knew it would be the opportunity of a lifetime to carry out the extraordinary mission of this company. I’m immensely grateful to him for entrusting me with the responsibility of protecting free speech, turning the company around, and transforming X into the Everything App."


Further she added, "We started with the critical early work necessary to prioritize the safety of our users—especially children, and to restore advertiser confidence. This team has worked relentlessly from groundbreaking innovations like Community Notes, and, soon, X Money to bringing the most iconic voices and content to the platform."


<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">After two incredible years, I’ve decided to step down as CEO of ?. <br><br>When <a href="https://twitter.com/elonmusk?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@elonmusk</a> and I first spoke of his vision for X, I knew it would be the opportunity of a lifetime to carry out the extraordinary mission of this company. I’m immensely grateful to him for entrusting me…</p>&mdash; Linda Yaccarino (@lindayaX) <a href="https://twitter.com/lindayaX/status/1942957094811951197?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 9, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Yaccarino’s departure from X adds to the turbulence rippling through the billionaire Musk's business empire, which is grappling with slowing sales at Tesla and intensifying controversies tied to artificial intelligence.

Neither Yaccarino nor X offered a reason for her resignation. 

The move comes a day after Grok, an artificial intelligence chatbot developed by Musk’s startup xAI, published posts on X referencing Adolf Hitler, prompting swift backlash before the posts were removed.

Meanwhile, Musk remains locked in a public spat with President Donald Trump, adding to the swirl of distractions around his far-reaching business interests.

After Musk lashed out at advertisers with insults, including telling them to “Go f--- yourself” during the 2023 DealBook Summit, Yaccarino characterized his remarks as an “explicit point of view about our position.”

“We’re a platform that allows people to make their own decisions,” Yaccarino wrote in a post on X at the time. “And here’s my perspective when it comes to advertising: X is standing at a unique and amazing intersection of Free Speech and Main Street — and the X community is powerful and is here to welcome you. To our partners who believe in our meaningful work — Thank You.”

Yaccarino began her career at Turner as COO - advertising sales, marketing and acquisitions, and then joined NBCUniversal Media, LLC, where she was elevated to hold the position of chairman - global advertising and partnerships.

She was the strategic and operational bridge across the entirety of NBCUniversal's global networks, properties, and business units. She was responsible for stewarding and monetizing the company’s industry-leading portfolio of linear networks, digital and streaming platforms, distribution and commerce partnerships, and client relationships. Yaccarino also oversaw all global, national and local ad ales, partnerships, marketing, adtech, data, measurement, commerce, and strategic initiatives. 


<strong>Read More:</strong> <a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/how-it-works/x-ceo-linda-yaccarino-fired-head-of-business-ops-and-communications-joe-benarroch-report-35093.htm">X CEO Linda Yaccarino fired head of business ops and communications Joe Benarroch: Report</a> 

CXO MOVES