Nestlé India is undergoing a significant leadership reshuffle, with several senior executives leaving their long-held positions as the company enters a new phase of strategic and organizational transition. Anurag Patnaik, the head of human resources for the South Asia region, has chosen to step down after over 20 years with the company. Patnaik has been instrumental in driving the company’s people strategy and workforce development during a period of rapid expansion. His successor has not been announced yet, but both internal and external candidates are being considered for the role.
Another key departure is Chandan Mukherji, director and senior vice president of strategy, marketing, and communication. Mukherji has spent over 20 years with the company and has been a key figure in strengthening brand positioning, communications, and strategic planning across Nestlé India’s portfolio. The company’s legal function is also set for a change in command, with Venkateswaran TS, general counsel and head of legal and compliance, retiring after a distinguished three-decade career in corporate and regulatory law.
Dhvani Rao, currently associate general counsel, will take over as general counsel and head of legal and compliance from January 1, 2026. Rao has led several high-impact initiatives in digital governance, intellectual property, and employment law since joining the company in 2012. Her elevation signals the company’s commitment to continuity and internal talent development in critical leadership positions.
These transitions come as Nestlé India, known for brands such as Maggi and Nescafé, continues to strengthen its leadership pipeline amid changing market dynamics, increasing regulatory oversight, and the ongoing digital transformation of the fast-moving consumer goods sector. The company is expected to announce further updates on HR leadership and strategic restructuring in the coming weeks. The leadership reshuffle is seen as a significant step towards preparing the company for future challenges and opportunities, and ensuring that it remains competitive in a rapidly evolving market.