Suresh Narayanan Resigns as Nestlé India Chairman: End of an Era That Transformed the FMCG Giant
Suresh Narayanan, the leader who revived Nestlé India post the Maggi crisis, steps down as Chairman and MD. With revenue surpassing ₹20,000 crore, his legacy sets a high bar for successor Manish Tiwary.
NewsSutra
Introduction: A Chapter Closes in Nestlé India’s Modern Journey
In a significant leadership transition for India’s fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) sector, Suresh Narayanan, one of the most respected corporate leaders in the country, has announced his resignation as Chairman and Managing Director of Nestlé India. His decision to step down marks the end of a nearly decade-long tenure that reshaped Nestlé India after one of the most tumultuous periods in its history—the 2015 Maggi noodles crisis.
Under Narayanan’s stewardship, Nestlé not only regained consumer trust but also achieved record-breaking growth, with revenues crossing the ₹20,000 crore milestone. The baton now passes to Manish Tiwary, an industry veteran expected to carry forward this legacy.
From Crisis to Confidence: The Maggi Turnaround Story
When Suresh Narayanan was appointed in 2015, Nestlé India was embroiled in a nationwide controversy. Its flagship product, Maggi noodles, had been banned by Indian food regulators due to alleged lead contamination. Consumer sentiment plummeted, trust was eroded, and retail shelves emptied overnight.
Narayanan’s appointment, which came directly from Nestlé’s global headquarters, was viewed as a last-ditch effort to salvage the brand’s reputation in one of its largest emerging markets.
His crisis management strategy was centered on transparency, communication, and humility. Key highlights of this effort included:
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Open engagement with regulators and media
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Independent lab testing to counter misinformation
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Rebuilding consumer trust through emotional storytelling
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Launching the “We Miss You Too” campaign, which became iconic in FMCG branding
By 2016, Maggi was back on shelves, and within a year, it reclaimed over 60% of its lost market share. This recovery is now studied as a model for crisis communication and brand revival in business schools.
Strategic Expansion and Growth During His Tenure
While the Maggi saga initially defined Narayanan’s leadership, his broader impact on Nestlé India’s performance is even more remarkable. Over the past nine years, he oversaw:
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A significant expansion in product portfolio, including nutrition, health sciences, and dairy innovations
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Greater penetration into Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities, enhancing rural consumption
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Sustained double-digit growth in categories like packaged foods, baby formula, and coffee
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Launch of digitally native brands to attract younger consumers
As of 2024, Nestlé India’s annual revenue had crossed ₹20,000 crore, reflecting a near-doubling from when he took charge.
He also pioneered sustainability initiatives, with Nestlé committing to plastic neutrality and green packaging innovation.
Manish Tiwary: A New Chapter Begins
The incoming Chairperson and MD, Manish Tiwary, brings a rich experience from the tech and retail sectors, including senior leadership roles at Amazon India and Unilever. Known for his strategic thinking and deep understanding of Indian consumer behavior, Tiwary’s appointment signals Nestlé India’s intent to accelerate digital transformation and diversify its offerings further.
While Narayanan's leadership emphasized recovery and resilience, Tiwary is expected to focus on:
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Digital-first brand strategy
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Leveraging data analytics and AI in supply chain and customer engagement
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Driving innovation in healthy food alternatives
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Strengthening omnichannel retail presence
Market watchers believe that Tiwary’s cross-industry perspective could inject new energy and innovation into Nestlé India’s next growth phase.
Employee Culture and Stakeholder Relationships
One of Narayanan’s underappreciated achievements was the transformation of Nestlé India's internal culture. When the company faced public scrutiny in 2015, employee morale was at an all-time low. Narayanan introduced a more transparent, empathetic leadership style that became central to the company’s cultural revival.
He emphasized:
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Regular town hall meetings with employees across the country
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Open-door policy at all management levels
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Initiatives to promote gender diversity and mental wellness in the workplace
This people-centric approach helped Nestlé India attract top talent from premier B-schools and re-establish itself as a preferred employer in the FMCG sector.
His rapport with suppliers, retailers, and the government also helped smooth regulatory relations and build stronger supply chains, even through the COVID-19 pandemic.
Market Reaction and Investor Sentiment
Following the announcement of Narayanan’s resignation, Nestlé India shares witnessed mild volatility in early trade but quickly stabilized. Analysts noted that the succession plan was well-timed and strategically sound, ensuring continuity of business.
Brokerages like Motilal Oswal and ICICI Securities have retained their 'Buy' ratings, noting that Nestlé India's fundamentals remain strong.
One analyst remarked, “Narayanan laid a robust foundation. The stock has nearly doubled in value since he took over, reflecting investor confidence in both leadership and execution.”
Industry Reactions: A Leader Who Inspired
Industry peers and business chambers have lauded Suresh Narayanan for his ethical leadership and long-term vision.
Sanjiv Mehta, former Unilever India chief, said, “Suresh proved that in Indian business, values and performance can go hand-in-hand. He led by example during adversity.”
Similarly, CII and FICCI issued statements praising his contributions to the food processing industry and public-private collaborations in nutrition and sustainability.
Legacy Beyond Business
What truly distinguishes Narayanan’s tenure is that he was not just a crisis manager or business leader—he became a symbol of resilience, trust, and transformation. His frequent public addresses, candid interviews, and personal anecdotes often emphasized the human side of leadership.
His legacy includes:
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Re-establishing Maggi as a beloved brand in Indian households
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Making Nestlé a green FMCG pioneer in India
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Cultivating a culture of inclusive leadership and values-driven governance
Narayanan is expected to continue engaging with academia, CSR initiatives, and leadership mentoring.
Conclusion: A Legacy Built on Trust and Vision
The resignation of Suresh Narayanan may signal the end of an era for Nestlé India, but the blueprint he leaves behind will likely shape the company’s future for years to come. His journey—from stabilizing a brand under siege to propelling Nestlé into its most prosperous phase—offers valuable lessons in corporate resilience, leadership under fire, and consumer empathy.
As Manish Tiwary steps into the spotlight, Nestlé India finds itself at a pivotal moment of transition. With a robust foundation laid and evolving market dynamics, the next chapter could be one of even greater innovation and growth.
