Colgate-Palmolive India Names Manish Anandani as MD and CEO

MUMBAI, India — Colgate-Palmolive (India) Limited announced major executive leadership changes on Friday, August 21, 2026, approving the appointment of Manish Anandani as its new Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer for a five-year term starting September 28, 2026. Anandani succeeds Prabha Narasimhan, who will step down from her leadership position at the close of business on September 27, 2026, following her global promotion within the parent organization. The strategic leadership transition comes as the consumer goods giant expands its market presence across oral care and personal health segments in South Asia.

The appointment follows recommendations from the company’s Nomination and Remuneration Committee and was approved during a morning meeting of the Board of Directors held in Mumbai. The leadership change remains subject to shareholder approval and standard statutory clearances.

Executive Leadership Transition Details

According to regulatory filings submitted to Indian stock exchanges, Prabha Narasimhan's resignation from her executive role and board directorship coincides with her promotion to Executive Vice President Marketing, Asia-Pacific Division at Colgate-Palmolive. Consequently, Narasimhan will relinquish her seats on the company's Stakeholders' Relationship Committee, ESG & Corporate Social Responsibility Committee, and Risk Management Committee.

Manish Anandani returns to Colgate-Palmolive (India) Limited after serving as Managing Director for India and South Asia at Kenvue (formerly Johnson & Johnson Consumer Health). His professional background spans 30 years across general management, sales, marketing, and enterprise strategy across both developed and emerging markets.

Anandani previously worked with Colgate-Palmolive from 2005 to 2018, holding various leadership positions across India, Indochina, and global corporate offices. During his initial 13-year tenure with the company, he served as Worldwide Director in the Global Customer Development function, managing global capabilities for retail marketing and shopper development. He holds an MBA in Marketing, a degree in Electronics, and an Executive MBA in Leadership from the Tuck School of Business in the United States.

Industry Context and Commercial Outlook

The fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) sector in India has experienced rapid shifts in consumer demand, driven by e-commerce transformation, premium product adoption, and rural distribution expansion. Anandani's background in digital transition, omnichannel execution, and healthcare product scaling is expected to align with Colgate-Palmolive's long-term commercial goals.

For institutional investors and retail shareholders, the seamless transition minimizes operational disruption while placing an industry veteran at the helm of Colgate-Palmolive's Indian operations. The company confirmed that Anandani holds no inter-se family relationships with any sitting board member and is not debarred from holding directorships by regulatory authorities.

Official Sources Section

According to official disclosures filed under Regulation 30 of the SEBI (Listing Obligations and Disclosure Requirements) Regulations, 2015, Colgate-Palmolive (India) Limited formally notified BSE Limited (Scrip Code: 500830) and the National Stock Exchange of India Ltd (Symbol: COLPAL) on August 21, 2026. The regulatory filings were authorized by Jaikishan Shah, Company Secretary and Compliance Officer.

Executive Statements

In her official resignation letter submitted to the Board of Directors, outgoing Managing Director and CEO Prabha Narasimhan wrote:

"Pursuant to my promotion as the Executive Vice President Marketing, Asia-Pacific Division of Colgate-Palmolive, I hereby resign from the position of Managing Director & CEO of Colgate-Palmolive (India) Limited with effect from close of business on September 27, 2026... It has been my pleasure to serve on the Board as Managing Director and CEO of the Company."

According to company statements included in the regulatory filings:

"Based on the recommendation of the Nomination and Remuneration Committee, the Board approved the appointment of Mr. Manish Anandani as the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Company for a period of 5 (five) consecutive years effective September 28, 2026."

Why It Matters

The executive transition ensures leadership continuity at one of India's largest FMCG operations. Anandani’s extensive international background and prior institutional knowledge of Colgate-Palmolive position the firm to address evolving retail channels, digital supply chains, and consumer preferences in South Asia.

Key Facts at a Glance

• New MD & CEO: Manish Anandani appointed for a 5-year term starting September 28, 2026.

• Outgoing MD & CEO: Prabha Narasimhan resigns effective close of business on September 27, 2026.

• Reason for Resignation: Prabha Narasimhan promoted to Executive Vice President Marketing, Asia-Pacific Division.

• Anandani's Prior Role: Managing Director for India and South Asia at Kenvue.

• Regulatory Authority: Disclosed under SEBI Listing Regulations on August 21, 2026.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is the new Managing Director and CEO of Colgate-Palmolive (India) Limited?

Manish Anandani has been appointed as the new Managing Director and CEO of Colgate-Palmolive (India) Limited for a five-year term starting September 28, 2026.

Why is Prabha Narasimhan stepping down from her role as MD and CEO?

Prabha Narasimhan is stepping down following her promotion to Executive Vice President Marketing for the Asia-Pacific Division of Colgate-Palmolive.

What is Manish Anandani's background in the FMCG industry?

Manish Anandani brings 30 years of industry experience. He previously served as Managing Director for India and South Asia at Kenvue and held senior leadership roles at Colgate-Palmolive between 2005 and 2018.

When will the executive leadership change take effect?

Prabha Narasimhan's resignation takes effect on September 27, 2026, and Manish Anandani assumes office on September 28, 2026, subject to shareholder approval.

Source: Official corporate announcements and regulatory filings submitted to BSE Limited and the National Stock Exchange of India Ltd by Colgate-Palmolive (India) Limited.