Who is Shailesh Jejurikar? All about P&G’s influential global COO

Source: manufacturingtodayindia

In the world of global multinational companies, very few Indian professionals reach the topmost position. Shailesh Jejurikar is one such inspiring leader. He is currently the global Chief Operating Officer (COO) of Procter & Gamble (P&G), which is one of the world’s largest consumer goods companies. For someone to move from a marketing role in India to the global COO of a more than $400 billion company is nothing short of remarkable.

His career reflects hard work, and he is known not just for his sharp business mind but also for his commitment to sustainability and inclusivity. This article explores his career journey, his daily job requirements, his leadership style, and what makes him a business leader.

Shailesh Jejurikar Biography

Shailesh Jejurikar’s Early Life and Education

His journey began in India, where he spent his childhood. Growing up in a middle-class family, he was surrounded by values of discipline that later played a significant role in his leadership style.

He completed his undergraduate at Mumbai University, providing him a strong base in commerce and economics. After that, he pursued higher education at IIM Lucknow, where he was exposed to many subjects, such as consumer behavior, strategy, and finance. But his interest was marketing, a combination of creativity and understanding human beings.

He learned how to work effectively as a team, solve real-world business problems, and lead projects. These years were crucial in preparing Shailesh to take on challenges at Procter & Gamble (P&G), a multinational company where he would later make a big name for himself.

Career at P&G

Source: msn

He began his career with Procter & Gamble (P&G) right after completing his MBA. He started in India. These experiences in marketing and sales helped him to understand consumer behavior and brand management. He was offered opportunities to work in international markets. Over the next several years, he held leadership positions across Asia, Europe, and North America. Each region offered new challenges and lessons to learn.

A major turning point in his career was when he was appointed CEO of P&G’s Global Fabric & Home Care Division. This division includes some of the world’s most popular household brands, such as Tide, Ariel, Downy, and Febreze. During his time leading this division, it became the largest and fastest-growing globally for P&G.

Key milestones in his career:

Now he oversees all operations of the company, from product development to supply chain management, across every category and market. It shows how dedication and an innovative mindset can lead to extraordinary success on a global scale.

Role as Chief Operating Officer (COO)

P&G sells products in more than 180 countries, and it offers household brands that are used by billions of people every day. His job is to make sure that products are always available, that they meet the customer’s expectations, and that they are produced in a way that is both efficient and environmentally friendly.

Key Responsibilities of Shailesh Jejurikar as COO:

Working Across Several Regions

He regularly communicates and coordinates with leaders across different regions, such as North America, Asia, Europe, and Africa. He ensures that all teams are working towards the same goals, even if they are in different time zones

Managing Product Launches and Supply Chain

One of his major tasks is to plan and supervise the launch of new products. He also looks after the entire supply chain, from the raw materials used in factories to the final delivery of the product.

Innovation Excellence

Innovation is a big part of P&G’s success. Shailesh encourages teams to think creatively and bring new, useful, and improved products to market. He supports research and development that leads to better packaging and smarter technology in daily-use items.

Promoting Digital Transformation

Shailesh is helping P&G adopt digital tools and modern technologies. From using artificial intelligence in marketing to tracking deliveries with real-time data, he is making sure the company stays modern and competitive in today’s fast-paced world.

Encouraging Sustainability

Under his leadership, P&G focuses on being responsible to the environment. This includes using less plastic, saving water and energy, and reducing carbon emissions. Shailesh strongly supports making products that are not only great for consumers but also good for the planet.

Supporting People and Culture

Shailesh also plays an important role in creating the company’s working culture. He supports diversity and inclusion, helps employees grow their careers, and ensures people are respected and engaged at P&G.

Leadership Style and Values

Source: pg

He places the growth of his team and the company’s purpose ahead of personal gain. He believes that a good leader needs to support and guide others. He is an empathetic leader and listens to all levels of employees and values their feedback in his decision-making. This creates a culture of trust and openness at P&G.

A critical aspect of his leadership is encouraging innovation. He inspires his teams to think creatively and develop new products that solve consumer problems. He focuses on purpose-led growth, where the company not only makes profits but also makes a positive impact on society and the environment. For example, under his leadership, P&G has introduced many initiatives focused on sustainability, such as reducing plastic use and saving water and energy.

Lessons from His Journey

There’s a lot to learn from Shailesh Jejurikar’s career. Whether you are a student, young professional, or entrepreneur, his journey offers inspiration and practical lessons:

Achievements and Recognition

Shailesh Jejurikar is globally recognized for his great leadership. He’s regularly cited in business magazines and conferences as a thought leader in consumer goods and sustainability.

Highlights:

• First Indian-origin COO of P&G.
• Led P&G’s largest business segment to double-digit growth.
• Recognized for championing gender equality and sustainable innovation.
• Influencer in corporate environmental responsibility.

Conclusion

His inspiring journey from a young professional in India to the Chief Operating Officer (COO) of one of the world’s biggest companies, Procter & Gamble, shows what leadership looks like. He started with a strong foundation in education and built his career step by step, taking on roles across different countries and business units. Throughout his journey, he stayed focused and learned from every experience. What makes him special is the way he combines that success with strong values like inclusion and care for the environment.

He promotes innovation and technology while also supporting people and communities. His leadership style makes him a role model not just for business professionals, but for anyone who wants to create a meaningful impact. For young people today, his story teaches an important lesson: if you work hard and stay curious, you can reach great heights and inspire change wherever you go.

FAQs

1. Who is Shailesh Jejurikar?
Shailesh Jejurikar is the Global Chief Operating Officer (COO) of Procter & Gamble, set to become the company’s CEO on January 1, 2026.

2. What is Shailesh Jejurikar’s career background?
He began his career at P&G India in 1989, rising through global leadership roles to head the Fabric & Home Care division before becoming COO in 2021.

3. When will Shailesh Jejurikar become CEO of P&G?
Shailesh Jejurikar will officially take over as the CEO of Procter & Gamble on January 1, 2026.