Navigating success: The legacy of Suresh Narayanan at Nestlé India

As Suresh Narayanan approaches his retirement on July 31, 2025, the food and beverage industry reflects on his remarkable tenure as Chairman and Managing Director of Nestlé India Limited. Since joining the Board of Directors on August 1, 2015, Narayanan has played a pivotal role in reshaping the company’s trajectory, marked by innovation, sustainable growth, and a commitment to corporate social responsibility.

Narayanan joined the Board of Directors as Managing Director on August 1, 2015, and was subsequently designated as Chairman and Managing Director on October 9 of the same year. His tenure has been marked by significant achievements and recognition, firmly establishing Nestlé India as a leading player in the fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) industry.

Narayanan successfully steered Nestle India through it most tumultuous times including the Maggi crisis in 2015, saving and reviving one of India's most iconic brands in spectacular fashion.

Armed with a Master's Degree in Economics from the Delhi School of Economics and a Diploma from the IMD Program for Executive Development, Narayanan's academic credentials are as impressive as his professional trajectory. He has also completed the Nestlé Leadership Program at the London Business School and brings over 30 years of extensive experience in the FMCG sector. His career began at Hindustan Unilever as a management trainee, where he held various senior roles in Sales, Marketing, and General Management before joining Nestlé.

Prior to his role in India, Narayanan served as Chairman and CEO of Nestlé Philippines. His journey with Nestlé began in 1999 when he became Executive Vice President for Sales in India, where he implemented significant structural and strategic changes and launched the chilled dairy business. His international experience extends to leadership positions across Nestlé Indochina, Singapore, and Egypt.

Under his stewardship, Nestlé India has garnered numerous accolades, including recognition as 'MNC in India of the Year' by the All India Management Association in 2022. In 2021, he was acknowledged as one of the Top 101 Male Gender Equality Champions globally, and Nestlé India received the Outstanding Company of the Year from CNBC TV18's India Business Leader Awards.

Narayanan’s contributions extend beyond business growth; he has also been an advocate for corporate social responsibility. As a member of the Corporate Social Responsibility Committee at Nestlé India, he has promoted initiatives that align with the company’s commitment to sustainability and community engagement.

In his speech at the 2023 Storyboard18 Visionaries event, Narayanan had said, “You see heroes becoming zeroes not because of lousy strategies, it's because of lousy leadership,” said Narayanan. He added that some of the brightest people in top organisations end up giving disappointing results only because there is a toxic culture that’s perpetuated from the corner room. The sooner leaders realise these things, the easier it will be for them to bring in change and stand strong.

Narayanan said, “Your only legacy as a leader will be the culture you will leave behind. Culture is the unspoken language that helps you act in difficult times."

Read more: Manish Tiwary to be Managing Director of Nestlé India; Suresh Narayanan to retire next year