**Title:** Nestlé India’s Chairman Narayanan to Retire After 40 Years
**Meta Description:** After a remarkable 40-year career, Narayanan steps down as Chairman of Nestlé India, marking a significant transition in the packaged goods industry.
**URL Slug:** nestle-india-chairman-narayanan-retires
**Headline:** Narayanan Concludes Four Decades at Nestlé India as Chairman
Growing up in pre-liberalized India, Narayanan never envisioned a career in the packaged consumer goods sector; his aspirations were rooted in becoming a bureaucrat, inspired by his father. However, a pivotal encounter during his final year at the Delhi School of Economics led him to his first corporate role. This week, he will conclude his impressive four-decade journey in the corporate world as he steps down as the chairman and managing director of Nestlé India Ltd. On August 1, Manish Tiwary from Amazon will take over the reins from Narayanan, who has dedicated over 25 years to the Swiss packaged foods giant, including a decade leading its operations in India.
Reflecting on his career, Narayanan believes he was being groomed for this position from the start. “People wanted me to pursue engineering or medicine, but I chose economics with the intention of becoming a bureaucrat, a path ingrained in me by my father and grandfather,” he shared. During his time at the Delhi School of Economics, Hindustan Lever Ltd (now HUL) was recruiting on campus—a rare occurrence at the time. Despite not having taken the CAT exam, a peer encouraged him to apply, and to his surprise, he secured the position, prompting a move to Mumbai with a starting salary of ₹1,200 to ₹1,300.
At HUL, Narayanan’s career was entirely focused on the food division, setting the stage for his future endeavors. He worked alongside notable peers such as Nitin Paranjpe and Leena Nair, contributing to brands like Dalda and animal feeds, and later joining the Brooke Bond Lipton team. He eventually led sales for their tea and coffee business before a brief tenure at Colgate. Although he respected Colgate’s culture, the categories of toothpaste and shampoo did not resonate with him after years in the food sector.
In 1999, Narayanan joined Nestlé as executive vice president for sales in India, marking a rare external hire into the company’s core management committee. “What impressed me about Nestlé was its strong emphasis on quality, safety, and robust brands,” he remarked in a recent interview at the company’s Gurugram office. His tenure at Nestlé spanned over 25 years, including international roles in Nestlé Indochina, where he oversaw sales, marketing, and food services across several Southeast Asian countries. He also held managing director positions in Nestlé Singapore and chaired Nestlé North Africa and Nestlé Philippines before returning to India as managing director.
Narayanan’s return to India coincided with a challenging period for the company, particularly during the Maggi crisis, which tested his leadership and resilience. As he prepares to pass the baton, his legacy at Nestlé India is marked by significant contributions to the company’s growth and reputation in the market.
**FAQ Section:**
**Q: What role did Narayanan play at Nestlé India?**
A: Narayanan served as the chairman and managing director of Nestlé India Ltd, leading the company for over a decade and contributing to its growth and brand reputation in the Indian market.
