Vadilal Scoops New Leadership: Himanshu Kanwar Named CEO As Gandhi Family Settles Decade-Long Dispute

In a landmark governance shift, Vadilal Industries Ltd has appointed Himanshu Kanwar as its new Chief Executive Officer, marking the first time a non-family professional will helm the Rs 1,350 crore ice-cream and frozen foods company. The announcement, made on September 9, 2025, follows a long-awaited settlement among the three branches of the Gandhi promoter family, who have agreed to separate ownership from management and reconstitute the company’s board with professional leadership.

 

This move is expected to usher in a new era of operational transparency, strategic agility, and investor confidence for one of India’s most iconic consumer brands.

 

Key Highlights From The Leadership Transition

 

- Himanshu Kanwar appointed CEO of Vadilal Industries Ltd for a five-year term beginning September 29  

- Kanwar becomes the first non-family executive to lead the company since its founding in 1907  

- The Gandhi family has resolved internal disputes by separating ownership from day-to-day management  

- The board will be restructured to include independent directors and professional managers  

- The decision aligns with Vadilal’s broader strategy to modernize governance and expand global reach  

 

Background Of The Family Settlement

The Gandhi family, which has steered Vadilal for generations, reached a formal agreement earlier this year to resolve long-standing differences that had hindered strategic decision-making. The settlement involves three branches—Rajesh R Gandhi (RRG Group), Devanshu L Gandhi (DLG Group), and Virendra R Gandhi (VRG Group)—who will now maintain equal ownership interests while stepping back from operational roles.

 

- The family will retain promoter status but delegate executive authority to professionals  

- Key promoter entities including Vadilal International Pvt Ltd, Vadilal Finance Company Pvt Ltd, and Veronica Constructions Pvt Ltd will be merged into Vadilal Industries  

- The merger will consolidate brand ownership and eliminate royalty payments, streamlining operations  

- Promoter stake will increase from 64.73 percent to 72.34 percent post-merger  

 

Profile Of The New CEO

Himanshu Kanwar brings over two decades of experience in consumer goods, digital growth, and brand strategy. An alumnus of IIM Calcutta, he currently serves as General Manager, Growth and Marketing Practice at XTO10X, where he mentors high-growth startups across food, beauty, fintech, and OTT sectors.

 

- Kanwar’s expertise spans FMCG giants and agile consumer startups  

- His appointment signals Vadilal’s intent to embrace data-driven decision-making and modern marketing  

- Industry observers expect Kanwar to focus on brand rejuvenation, operational efficiency, and global expansion  

 

Board Restructuring And Governance Overhaul

As part of the transition, Vadilal Industries will induct a new set of independent directors with deep experience in branding, FMCG, and corporate governance. This includes:

 

- Shalini Raghavan, former Group CMO of Nykaa  

- Shivakumar Dega, ex-executive at PepsiCo, Nokia, and Philips  

- Nagarajan Sivaramakrishnan, former CEO of Mother Dairy  

 

These appointments are expected to bring strategic clarity and strengthen board oversight, aligning Vadilal with best-in-class governance practices.

 

Business Outlook And Strategic Priorities

With the leadership transition in place, Vadilal is expected to focus on expanding its product portfolio, deepening its retail footprint, and enhancing operational scalability. The company currently operates through a network of over 125,000 dealers and offers a wide range of ice-cream products, ready-to-eat meals, and frozen snacks.

 

- Plans include digital transformation, supply chain optimization, and entry into new geographies  

- The brand may explore premium segments and health-conscious offerings to tap evolving consumer preferences  

- Investor sentiment is expected to improve with the shift to professional management  

 

A Fresh Scoop Of Strategy And Stability

Vadilal Industries’ appointment of Himanshu Kanwar as CEO marks a pivotal moment in its century-old legacy. By resolving internal family disputes and embracing professional governance, the company is poised to unlock new efficiencies, drive innovation, and reinforce its leadership in India’s frozen foods sector. As Kanwar steps into the role, all eyes will be on how he blends tradition with transformation to shape Vadilal’s next chapter.

 

Sources: The Hindu BusinessLine, India Herald, New Indian Express