Dabur Appoints Herjit Bhalla as CEO India Business in Key Leadership Move

Dabur India has appointed Herjit S Bhalla as Chief Executive Officer for its India business, according to a regulatory filing, marking a significant leadership shift as the company sharpens its focus on its core domestic market.

Bhalla will report to Mohit Malhotra, Whole-time Director and Global CEO, and has been designated as part of the company’s senior management personnel. His appointment comes at a time when FMCG players are recalibrating strategies to drive growth in an increasingly competitive and value-conscious market.

With over 25 years of experience across commercial and general management roles, Bhalla brings a mix of global and local expertise. Prior to joining Dabur, he was associated with The Hershey Company, where he held multiple leadership roles across regions, including India, AEMEA, Canada, and global customer management. His experience spans market expansion, brand building, and operational leadership across diverse geographies.

Earlier in his career, Bhalla spent over a decade at Unilever, working across sales and marketing functions. His tenure included a role as Marketing Director in Moscow, giving him exposure to international markets and complex consumer environments. He has also served as Chief Operating Officer at Metro Cash & Carry, where he was part of the executive board, overseeing large-scale retail and distribution operations.

For Dabur, this appointment signals a continued emphasis on strengthening its India business, which remains central to its overall growth strategy. As the FMCG sector evolves, companies are increasingly focusing on portfolio premiumisation, rural demand recovery, and digital distribution channels, areas where experienced leadership becomes critical.

From a brand and marketing perspective, leadership transitions at this level often influence how companies approach consumer engagement, innovation, and category expansion. Bhalla’s background in both FMCG and retail suggests a focus on integrating brand strategy with on-ground execution, especially in a market where distribution and visibility play a key role in driving growth.

The move also reflects a broader industry trend where companies are bringing in leaders with cross-market experience to navigate shifting consumer behaviour. Indian consumers today are more value-aware, digitally connected, and open to experimentation, pushing legacy brands to adapt faster across product, pricing, and communication strategies.

For stakeholders, this appointment is less about immediate change and more about long-term direction. As Dabur continues to expand across categories and channels, leadership decisions like this will shape how the brand balances its traditional strengths with new-age growth opportunities.