Dabur India Global CEO Mohit Malhotra Steps Down, Herjit Bhalla Elevated to Board

FMCG major Dabur India announced a leadership transition on Wednesday. Mohit Malhotra, who has served as Global CEO and Whole-time Director, has decided to step down from his position effective November 13 to pursue personal interests.

As part of the succession plan, Herjit S Bhalla, currently serving as the Chief Executive Officer of the India business, has been elevated to the company’s board. He will take on the role of a Whole-time Director for a period of five years, effective November 14, and will continue to lead the growth agenda for the domestic market.

Additionally, PD Narang, currently a Whole-time Director, will continue his association with the company as Group Director for Corporate Affairs. In this capacity, he will provide strategic guidance across Dabur Group’s businesses, which includes taking on the oversight of the International Business.

Dabur India Chairman Mohit Burman commented on the leadership changes, stating that the planned transition clarifies leadership responsibilities and accountability while ensuring continuity as the company prepares for its next phase of growth. Burman thanked Malhotra for his three decades of service to the organization, noting his tenure as Group CEO starting in 2019.

Commenting on Bhalla's elevation, Burman said it reflects the board's confidence in his leadership and underscores the central role of the India business in Dabur's overall growth strategy. He also noted that the company's businesses, including the international segment, will continue to benefit from Narang's four decades of experience and strategic guidance with the group.

Herjit Bhalla joined Dabur earlier this year, bringing a career spanning 25 years in the FMCG and retail sectors. Prior to joining Dabur, Bhalla spent over 16 years at Unilever in management roles across domestic and international markets, followed by global leadership positions at The Hershey Company and METRO Cash & Carry India.

"Leadership transitions in legacy consumer goods companies require a delicate balance between honoring institutional knowledge and introducing fresh strategic vision. Dabur India's structured succession plan, leveraging internal talent with extensive multi-market FMCG experience like Herjit Bhalla alongside seasoned guidance from leadership veterans, ensures operational continuity and stability during a critical growth phase. For large enterprises, clear accountability at the board level is essential to sustain long-term market competitiveness." — Dr. Shishir Gupta, Founder & CEO, StartupLanes