I am leaving Nestle stronger, more agile & future-ready

Suresh Narayanan, who took over as managing director and later chairman of Nestle India in August 2015 during the peak of the Maggi crisis, retires on July 31 after nearly a decade at the helm and 26 years with Nestle.

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In a wide-ranging conversation with Raghav Aggarwal, Narayanan reflects on the evolving FMCG landscape, the company's transformation, and what's next for him. Excerpts:

How has the FMCG sector changed during your tenure?

There's been a big shift in consumer behaviour. Aspirational India isn't confined to metros anymore; rather, it's spread across rural and urban areas alike. Consumers are now more focused on quality, safety, and nutrition. Earlier, "paisa vasool" ruled; today, it's about getting value with quality. Post-Covid, nutrition credentials have gained prominence. Digital is no longer optional; it's essential for both operations and consumer engagement. Premiumisation is here to stay, with meaningful potential across categories. And sustainability and social responsibility have become key factors in how consumers judge companies.

Where does Nestle India stand in the current environment?