In a significant leadership transition, Shailesh Jejurikar, the current Chief Operating Officer of Procter & Gamble (P&G), will officially assume the position of CEO on January 1, 2026. The announcement was made on Monday, marking a pivotal moment for the company as it prepares for the future. Current CEO Jon Moeller will transition to the role of Executive Chairman, where he will guide the board and provide counsel to Jejurikar. The timeline for Moeller's tenure in the executive chair has not been established, as it will be determined by the P&G board.
According to Damon Jones, P&G's Chief Communications Officer, Moeller leaves behind a legacy of strong performance and strategic leadership. Under his guidance, P&G has maintained its position as the 149th largest company on the Fortune 500 and has been recognized as the 19th most admired company in the world.
Joe Jimenez, the lead independent director on P&G's board, praised Moeller's contributions, stating, “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, superiority, productivity, and organizational strategy, as part of one of the most significant transformations in the company’s history.” Jimenez acknowledged that P&G has consistently achieved strong growth and value creation during Moeller's leadership, emphasizing that the company is well-prepared for Jejurikar's upcoming CEO role.
Shailesh Jejurikar has been with P&G since 1989, starting as an assistant brand manager. Since then, he has held various roles, including Chief Executive of Global Fabric and Home Care, and has served as COO since 2021. Jejurikar's commitment to sustainability is evident from his tenure as executive sponsor of global sustainability from 2016 to 2021, where he integrated sustainability goals into P&G's operations to promote positive environmental and societal impact while providing value for shareholders.
As CEO, Jejurikar will receive a salary of $1.6 million, with a potential bonus of $3.2 million and long-term equity valued at $14 million. Last year, Jejurikar earned $10 million as COO, while Moeller's total compensation was valued at $23 million.
Jejurikar's journey to CEO is remarkable. Born in India, he started his education in a rural area outside Mumbai. He later moved to Hyderabad, where he discovered his passion for cricket and leadership as head boy in high school. Reflecting on a formative experience, Jejurikar learned the importance of leading by example, a lesson that has shaped his management style throughout his career.
Following his high school education, Jejurikar attended college in Bombay and completed his MBA at the Indian Institute of Management in Lucknow. His extensive experience at P&G spans various global locations and roles, underscoring the company's commitment to promoting talent from within.
P&G is well-known for its “build from within” culture, having never hired a CEO from outside its ranks in its 174-year history. This internal focus cultivates a deep understanding of the company's values and operations among its executives. Notable former CEOs include A.G. Lafley and David Taylor, both of whom navigated the company through significant challenges and changes, ensuring stability and growth.
As Jejurikar prepares to lead P&G, he inherits a restructuring plan aimed at optimizing the company’s brand portfolio, which includes exiting certain brands and divesting from less profitable markets. During a recent statement, Jejurikar expressed his honor in taking on this role, stating, “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.”
In his farewell, Moeller expressed pride in the value created under his leadership and emphasized his commitment to supporting Jejurikar and the P&G team moving forward. As P&G embarks on this new chapter, the company's focus on innovation, sustainability, and operational excellence remains at the forefront of its strategy, promising continued success in the competitive consumer goods market.
