CINCINNATI, OH Procter & Gamble Co. (NYSE: PG) has announced that Shailesh Jejurikar, a veteran executive with more than three decades at the company, will take over as Chief Executive Officer on January 1, 2026, replacing Jon Moeller, who will transition to Executive Chairman.
The move, disclosed Monday ahead of the companys Q4 earnings report, marks a major leadership shift at a time when the consumer goods giant is navigating slowing sales, volatile global demand, and tariff-related cost pressures.
Shailesh Jejurikar to Lead P&G From 2026
Jejurikar, 58, currently serves as P&Gs Chief Operating Officer and has spent his entire career at the company since joining in 1989. Known for his global experience across product categories and markets, he has led P&Gs fabric care business, sustainability initiatives, and market expansion strategies across India, Europe, and North America.
I feel great about the team that will continue leading us, said outgoing CEO Jon Moeller. This transition strengthens the work already underway.
Jejurikar will become the first Indian-origin CEO of P&G, and only the 13th CEO in the companys 187-year history.
Jon Moeller to Step Aside, Remain as Executive Chairman
Moeller, 61, was named CEO in 2021 after a long tenure as CFO and COO. His time at the helm included navigating the pandemic-era demand surge, launching a multi-year restructuring effort, and managing inflation and supply chain disruptions.
While Moeller will exit day-to-day responsibilities, he remains involved as Executive Chairman, offering continuity during the leadership transition.
Ive been at P&G for nearly four decades. Its the right time, Moeller told Bloomberg in an interview.
Leadership Change Comes Amid Business Pressures
P&Gs CEO transition comes during a challenging period for the company. Sales growth has slowed in recent quarters, and global headwinds including rising tariffs, geopolitical tension, and weakened consumer confidence have hit profit margins.
In its last quarterly update, P&G cut its annual sales and profit forecast, citing increased costs and shifting consumer behavior.
Market Snapshot (as of July 29, 2025):
Metric | Value |
P&G YTD Stock Performance | -6.3% |
S&P 500 YTD | +8.6% |
Last Earnings | Missed analyst estimates |
Q4 Earnings | Due Tuesday, July 30, 2025 |
Whats Next for P&G Under Jejurikar?
Jejurikar will inherit a complex global business in transition. P&G is in the early stages of a company-wide restructuring plan announced in June, aimed at streamlining operations and improving efficiency.
He will also face:
Continued cost pressures from tariffs and logistics
A need to restore investor confidence
The challenge of revitalizing core categories like fabric care and grooming
Industry analysts say his operational background and global exposure make him a natural fit to stabilize and recalibrate the business.
Investor Reaction: Muted for Now
P&G shares were unchanged in post-market trading following the CEO announcement, suggesting investors had anticipated the internal promotion.
However, market watchers are closely monitoring:
The tone of Tuesdays earnings call
Any shifts in P&Gs forward guidance
Updates on restructuring progress and margin outlook
The leadership change appears smooth, but all eyes will be on earnings and Jejurikars first public remarks as CEO-elect, said a retail analyst at Bernstein.
Strategic Continuity or Course Correction?
P&G has long followed a promote from within approach. Both Moeller and his predecessor, David Taylor, were company veterans. The choice of Jejurikar continues that tradition.
What remains to be seen is whether his tenure will signal a strategic shift, or reinforce Moellers existing plans.
Areas to Watch:
Execution of cost-cutting targets
Brand innovation and R&D spending
Global market expansion priorities
Response to competitive pricing and private labels
About Shailesh Jejurikar: Career Highlights
Year | Role | Region/Division |
1989 | Joined P&G | India |
2000s | VP, Fabric Care | Global |
20152020 | Group President | Global Fabric & Home Care |
2021 | COO | Global Operations |
2026 (Upcoming) | CEO | Global |
What to Expect Over the Next 90 Days
Timeline | Key Event |
July 30, 2025 | P&G to report Q4 and full-year earnings |
August 2025 | Analyst calls and investor Q&A with new leadership |
September 2025 | Strategic update from Jejurikar expected |
January 1, 2026 | Jejurikar formally assumes CEO role |
The Bigger Picture
P&Gs leadership transition reflects a broader trend among multinationals to tap internal talent with global experience to steer through uncertain times. As inflation, geopolitical risk, and trade frictions persist, companies are leaning on steady operators to maintain resilience and protect margins.
For P&G, the decision to elevate Jejurikar suggests a desire for continuity with a readiness to tackle headwinds more decisively.
Final Word
Jejurikar steps into the CEO role at a pivotal moment for one of the worlds most iconic consumer brands. With global supply chains under stress and consumer loyalty evolving, the next 12 months will be a critical proving ground.
Will steady hands and institutional knowledge be enough to turn the tide at P&G? Investors wont have to wait long to find out
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