Key Leadership Transitions at Nestlé India
Nestlé India is undergoing a significant leadership transformation as part of its broader strategic and organizational evolution. The company, known for household brands like Maggi and Nescafé, has announced the departure of several senior executives who have been instrumental in shaping the company’s growth and policies over the past two decades.
Among the key exits is Anurag Patnaik, the Head of Human Resources for the South Asia region. Patnaik has chosen to step down after over 20 years with Nestlé, marking the end of a remarkable tenure that began in 2005 when he joined as a management trainee. A graduate of XLRI, Patnaik has played a critical role in steering Nestlé India’s people strategy and workforce development during a time of rapid growth and expansion. His successor has not yet been named, but the company is considering both internal and external candidates for the role.
Another Longtime Leader Steps Down
Also leaving the organization is Chandan Mukherji, Director and Senior Vice President of Strategy, Marketing, and Communication. Mukherji has spent more than two decades at Nestlé India, during which he was a key player in shaping brand messaging and strengthening the company’s market positioning. His departure marks another significant shift in Nestlé India’s leadership as the company adapts to evolving market demands and consumer expectations.
Legal Department Undergoes Major Change
Nestlé India’s legal function is also in transition, with Venkateswaran TS, General Counsel and Head of Legal & Compliance, set to retire. With a career spanning 30 years in corporate and regulatory law, Venkateswaran has been a cornerstone in navigating complex legal and policy landscapes. His expertise has been especially crucial in helping Nestlé India comply with ever-changing food safety regulations and legal frameworks.
Replacing him effective January 1, 2026, is Dhvani Rao, currently serving as Associate General Counsel for Food, IP, HR, and Digital Laws. Rao joined the organization in 2012 and has since led several high-impact initiatives, including digital governance, intellectual property protection, and employment law. Her elevation underscores Nestlé India’s dedication to promoting internal talent and ensuring leadership continuity in critical departments.
Strategic Shifts and Market Adaptation
These high-level changes come at a time when Nestlé India is reinforcing its leadership pipeline to better respond to shifting market dynamics, increased regulatory scrutiny, and ongoing digital transformation within the fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) industry. The company is proactively realigning its top-tier management to ensure it remains agile and competitive in an increasingly complex market environment.
Industry insiders view these leadership exits and appointments as part of a calculated strategy to blend legacy experience with fresh perspectives. Nestlé India is expected to announce further updates regarding its HR leadership and overall strategic restructuring in the coming weeks, indicating that more changes may be on the horizon.
Focus on Talent Development and Continuity
The appointment of Dhvani Rao to a top legal position also reflects Nestlé India’s focus on nurturing home-grown talent. By promoting leaders from within, the company aims to ensure stability and preserve institutional knowledge, while also injecting new ideas into its leadership structure. This approach is consistent with Nestlé’s global emphasis on leadership development, employee engagement, and long-term succession planning.
As Nestlé India continues to evolve, its leadership transitions will be closely watched by both industry analysts and stakeholders. The company’s ability to effectively manage these changes will be key to maintaining its strong market position and driving sustainable growth in a competitive landscape.
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