India's Consumer Sector Sees Unprecedented CEO Churn in 2025 Amidst Market Shifts

• 2025 marks a significant year for CEO and CXO-level leadership changes across India's FMCG, food, and consumer durables sectors, reflecting structural industry shifts.
• High-profile exits and appointments include Priya Nair (HUL CEO), Rakshit Hargave (Britannia CEO), Varun Berry (Britannia stepped down), Rajneet Kohli (HUL), Suresh Narayanan (Nestlé India stepped down), Manish Tiwary (Nestlé India), and Hemant Rupani (Hindustan Coca-Cola Beverages).
• The churn is driven by post-pandemic margin pressure, intensified competition from D2C brands, slower volume growth, and evolving consumer preferences.
• Boards and investors are demanding leaders who can navigate digital transformation, ensure cost discipline, and deliver growth in an environment of heightened volatility.
• Legacy companies face challenges adapting quickly due to complex structures, while AI, e-commerce, and quick commerce further intensify pressure on leadership to innovate.

Why It Matters: India's consumer sector is undergoing a major leadership reset driven by market pressures and digital disruption.