Anurag Patnaik Steps Down as Head of HR at Nestlé India
Nestlé India, the multinational food and beverage giant, has announced a significant change in its senior management team with the resignation of Anurag Patnaik, the Head of Human Resources for the South Asia Region and a Senior Management Personnel (SMP).
Anurag has chosen to “embark on a new chapter in his career,” concluding a distinguished tenure of over two decades with the company. His departure is effective from December 31, 2025.
The exit of Anurag comes amid a strategic organizational transition at Nestlé India, which is navigating changing market dynamics, increasing regulatory oversight, and a continuous push for digital transformation within the fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) sector.
His resignation is one of several recent senior leadership exits, signaling a broader leadership reshuffle within the major corporation.
A Veteran’s Two-Decade Journey and Impact at Nestlé India
Anurag Patnaik’s association with Nestlé India is marked by longevity and progressive leadership.
An alumnus of XLRI Jamshedpur (Post Graduate in Personnel Management and Industrial Relations), he began his career with the company in 2005 as a Management Trainee.
Anurag’s career trajectory at Nestlé was characterized by increasingly senior and diverse HR roles both in India and internationally.
He previously served as the Head of Total Reward (COC) for the Asia Oceania and Africa (AOA)region, a successful assignment that saw him stationed in Malaysia.
Upon returning to India, he took on the critical responsibility of leading the HR function. This period coincided with turbulent times, notably the COVID-19 crisis.
He was formally appointed as the Head of HR for Nestlé India in February 2021.
During his leadership, Anurag was known for championing a people-centric approach.
This involved introducing progressive policies and ensuring comprehensive support for employees’ and their families’ well-being.
He was instrumental in driving the company’s people strategy and workforce development.
Anurag also expanded the organization’s focus on diversity and employee engagement.
He also led several initiatives focused on best-in-class benefits review across the organization.
Wider Strategic and Leadership Transition
Anurag’s exit is part of a series of leadership movements at the company.
Simultaneously, Nestlé India is witnessing the departure of Chandan Mukherji.
He served as Director and Senior Vice President – Strategy, Marketing, and Communication and is also leaving after more than 20 years.
Furthermore, the company’s legal function is undergoing a change.
This is because Venkateswaran T.S., General Counsel and Head-Legal & Compliance, prepares to retire after a three-decade career.
The company has already named a successor for the legal role: Dhvani Rao, currently Associate General Counsel, who will step into the position on January 1, 2026.
These transitions highlight Nestlé India’s effort to strengthen its leadership pipeline.
The company has secured continuity in its legal department.
However, a replacement for Anurag in the critical Head of Human Resources role (Senior Management Personnel) has not yet been announced.
Nestlé India has confirmed that both internal and external candidates are being considered for the role.
Further details regarding his successor will be shared in due course.
The smooth transition of such a long-serving leader in a key function will be crucial for the company.
This is necessary as it maintains operational momentum heading into 2026.
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