Prabha Narasimhan, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Colgate-Palmolive (India) Limited, has resigned from her current position to take on a global leadership role within the company. She will become the Executive Vice President – Marketing, Asia-Pacific Division, for Colgate-Palmolive. Her resignation from the India CEO role is effective at the close of business on September 27, 2026. The board of Colgate-Palmolive India approved the leadership change on August 21, 2026.[prnewswire+3]
Narasimhan's Four-Year Tenure in India
Narasimhan joined Colgate-Palmolive India in 2022 and led the company for four years. During her leadership, she guided the company through a period of significant growth and transformation. She played a key role in strengthening the company's position as the market leader in oral care products.[prnewswire+5]
Under Narasimhan's direction, Colgate-Palmolive India focused heavily on premium products. This strategy led to the premium portfolio growing five times faster than the broader market. The company also achieved volume-led growth, maintained industry-leading profitability, and showed consistent top-line momentum. Narasimhan also pushed for digital transformation, expanded quick-commerce options, and introduced consumer-focused innovations. She aimed to expand the oral hygiene category by promoting good habits across both urban and rural India. Additionally, she strengthened the brand's social impact through initiatives like "Colgate Bright Smiles, Bright Futures" and the "Oral Health Movement." Before joining Colgate-Palmolive India, Narasimhan held senior leadership roles at Hindustan Unilever, where she was the Executive Director for Home Care.[prnewswire+11]
New Leadership Takes Over
Manish Anandani will succeed Prabha Narasimhan as the new Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Colgate-Palmolive (India) Limited. His appointment is effective from September 28, 2026, for a five-year term, pending shareholder and other statutory approvals. Anandani brings extensive experience, having previously served as the Managing Director for India and South Asia at Kenvue (formerly Johnson & Johnson Consumer Health).[livemint+8]
Anandani is returning to Colgate-Palmolive, where he worked from 2005 to 2018. During his earlier tenure, he held various roles, including Worldwide Director in Global Customer Development. He has three decades of experience across sales, marketing, general management, and senior leadership positions. His expertise includes enterprise strategy, digital and e-commerce transformation, and market expansion in both developed and emerging economies. Anandani holds an electronics degree, an MBA in marketing, and an Executive MBA in leadership from the Tuck School of Business in the US.[livemint+10]
Market Reaction and Future Outlook
News of Narasimhan's departure and promotion led to a slight dip in Colgate-Palmolive (India) shares. On August 21, 2026, the company's shares fell by as much as 1.2 percent to Rs 1,887.95. The stock has seen a decline in nine of the last ten trading sessions, dropping nearly 7 percent over that period.[ndtvprofit]
Narasimhan's move to the Executive Vice President – Marketing, Asia-Pacific Division, signifies a continued focus on leadership development within Colgate-Palmolive. Her new role will leverage her proven track record in brand building and category growth across diverse markets. Thetransition emphasizes adapting leadership strategies in a dynamic market environment. Alleyes are now on Manish Anandani to guide Colgate-Palmolive India through its next phase of growth.[ndtvprofit+3]
