Outlook Business Desk
Britannia Industries Ltd announced on Monday that Managing Director (MD) and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Varun Berry has stepped down with immediate effect, signalling an unexpected leadership shift in the FMCG company.
The company confirmed Berry will be relieved from all roles, including Vice-Chairman, MD and CEO from the close of business hours on 10th November 2025.
With his departure, Varun Berry will leave several key board committees, including Stakeholders Relationship, Corporate Social Responsibility, Risk Management, Finance, Strategy, Innovation and IT, creating significant governance vacancies.
Varun Berry became Britannia’s CEO in May 2025 after Rajneet Kohli’s March resignation. Berry had served as Executive Vice-Chairman and Managing Director before taking over as CEO.
Varun Berry worked at Britannia for nearly 13 years, holding key roles. Earlier, he spent over a decade at PepsiCo India and International, including CEO of the UAE Dairy & Juice unit, and over six years at Hindustan Unilever as marketing manager.
Following Berry’s resignation, Britannia Industries appointed Rakshit Hargave as its new Managing Director and CEO. His five-year tenure begins on 15th December 2025, steering the company’s next phase of growth.
Meanwhile, Natarajan Venkataraman will serve as interim CEO until Rakshit Hargave officially takes charge, maintaining continuity in Britannia Industries’ executive functions and key decision-making processes.
Earlier, Rakshit Hargave also served as CEO of Birla Opus. His prior experience positions him to lead the company through its strategic and operational goals.