Six major FMCG companies swapped CEOs in 12 months, the most concentrated leadership turnover in recent memory. Colgate, HUL, Godrej, Dabur, Britannia and Nestle all changed hands as boards chase faster execution and market share.
The Indian FMCG sector has seen at least six major companies change chief executives in the past year, a leadership churn that spans Colgate-Palmolive India, Hindustan Unilever, Godrej Consumer Products, Dabur India, Britannia Industries and Nestle India.
The wave accelerated over the past month. Sudhir Sitapati resigned from Godrej Consumer Products just days after shareholders approved his reappointment for a five-year term. GCPL shares fell as much as 11% to a 52-week low the following day. The company named group CFO Aasif Malbari as successor.
Colgate-Palmolive India announced managing director and CEO Prabha Narasimhan will move to an Asia-Pacific marketing role effective September 27. Former Colgate executive Manish Anandani takes over September 28.
The transitions come as FMCG companies face uneven consumer demand, rising competition from regional and local players, and pressure to deliver volume-led growth while protecting margins. Input costs remain elevated from geopolitical disruptions and supply-chain snags, even as investors push for sustainable growth and margin expansion.
Premiumisation is reshaping consumer demand across categories. Companies are recalibrating product portfolios and strengthening innovation capabilities to capture higher-value consumption.
Industry observers said the changes reflect boards' preference for leaders who can deliver faster execution and market share gains in a shifting competitive landscape.
HUL's transition began August 1, 2025, when Priya Nair took over as managing director and CEO from Rohit Jawa, who stepped down nearly three years before his five-year term ended.
Britannia Industries saw the sudden exit of executive vice-chairman, MD and CEO Varun Berry in November 2025, roughly three years ahead of his term's scheduled end. Rakshit Hargave, formerly CEO of Birla Opus, took charge December 15.
Dabur India named Herjit S Bhalla as CEO, India Business, effective April 2026, while elevating Mohit Malhotra to Global CEO, splitting the company's India and global mandates. Bhalla spent 25 years across Unilever, Metro Cash & Carry and Hershey.
Nestle India's leadership change came roughly a year ago, with Manish Tiwary taking over as Chairman and Managing Director from August 1, 2025, succeeding Suresh Narayanan. Tiwary, former Amazon India country head, brings a technology and digital commerce background, signalling Nestle India's intent to strengthen e-commerce and data-driven decision-making.
A similar transition played out at Wipro Consumer Care and Lighting, where Vineet Agrawal retired after four decades. Kumar Chander took charge as CEO and Managing Director of Wipro Enterprises effective February 1.
Colgate-Palmolive Company CL stock page carries an Alpha Score of 50 out of 100, labeled Mixed, with shares at $91.08, up 1.54% on the session. Unilever PLC UL stock page scores 59, labeled Moderate. Hershey Company HSY stock page scores 49, labeled Mixed. All three sit in the Consumer Staples sector.
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