India’s fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) sector has recorded significant leadership changes in the last 12 months with several leading companies appointing new chief executives and elevating senior executives.

Nearly half a dozen major FMCG companies have announced the leadership changes. The key ones include Hindustan Unilever Ltd (HUL), Godrej Consumer Products Ltd (GCPL), Dabur India, Britannia Industries and Colgate-Palmolive India.

Sudhir Sitapati, the CEO of Godrej Consumer Products Ltd (GCPL), has taken an abrupt exit earlier this month raising eyebrows.

His resignation came just days after shareholders had approved his reappointment for a fresh five-year term.

Godrej Consumer Products named group Chief Financial Officer Aasif Malbari as his successor.

Notably, after the announcement, GCPL shares fell as much as 11 per cent to a 52-week low the following day.

An year ago, Priya Nair took over as managing director and chief executive officer of HUL from Rohit Jawa.

Jawa stepped down nearly three years before completion of his scheduled five-year term.

The leader in oral care products, Colgate-Palmolive India, also announced a leadership transition. Its managing director and chief executive officer Prabha Narasimhan set to move to a broader Asia-Pacific marketing role effective close of business on September 27.

Company’s former executive Manish Anandani is being appointed as her successor, effective September 28.

Dabur India named Herjit S Bhalla as CEO, India Business, effective April 2026. The company has also elevated Mohit Malhotra to Global CEO.

Bhalla brings over 25 years of experience across Unilever, Metro Cash & Carry and Hershey.

Britannia Industries executive vice-chairman, managing director and chief executive officer, Varun Berry made a sudden exit after leading the company for over a decade.

Berry’s exit came nearly three years ahead of the scheduled end of his term in 2029.

Rakshit Hargave took charge as MD and CEO on December 15, 2025.

Amazon India country head Manish Tiwary took over as the Chairman and Managing Director of Nestle India from August 1, 2025.

Tiwary succeeded Suresh Narayanan, who had steered the company out of the Maggi crisis in his almost decade-long tenure at the helm.

Vineet Agrawal retired after four decades with Wipro Consumer Care and Lighting. Kumar Chander took charge as CEO and Managing Director of Wipro Enterprises, effective February 1, 2026.

(With agency inputs)