FMCG major Dabur has elevated its Group Chief Executive Officer Mohit Malhotra to the position of Global CEO, while appointing Herjit Bhalla as Chief Executive Officer for its India business. The leadership transition marks a strategic shift aimed at strengthening Dabur’s international footprint while sharpening focus on its core domestic operations.
Bhalla, currently Vice President Canada & Global Customers at The Hershey Company, will assume the India CEO role effective April 15. With extensive experience in global confectionery and consumer brands, Bhalla is expected to drive growth across Dabur’s India portfolio amid evolving consumption trends and increasing competitive intensity in the fast moving consumer goods sector.
Malhotra’s elevation to Global CEO signals Dabur’s intent to consolidate its international operations under a unified leadership structure. The company has been expanding steadily across Middle East, Africa, and other overseas markets, where it sees long-term growth potential.
Earlier this year, Malhotra had indicated the possibility of introducing an India-focused leadership role to streamline operations and accelerate decision making in the domestic market. The latest appointments formalize that strategic intent, separating global oversight from India execution.
The move comes shortly after Dabur reported its third-quarter results, where profit remained broadly in line with market expectations. Demand trends received support from recent consumption tax cuts in India, although margins were impacted by a one-time charge linked to the implementation of new labour codes.
Dabur, known for brands across healthcare, personal care, and foods, has been navigating a mixed demand environment characterized by rural recovery, urban premiumisation, and rising input cost pressures. The revised leadership structure is expected to provide greater agility as the company balances domestic growth priorities with global expansion ambitions.
With this transition, Dabur aims to create a sharper operating model strengthening its India business while positioning its international portfolio for the next phase of growth.
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