The FMCG major Britannia Industries today confirmed the departure of its long-time leader Varun Berry, thereby underlining a significant change in management and strategy. Moreover, this is the latest development in the ongoing story of Varun Berry resignation news.
Berry joined Britannia in 2013 as Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, and later became Managing Director in 2014. However, he resigned on 6 November 2025, and the board quickly accepted his exit, relieving him of duties by 10 November 2025.
Under his leadership, Britannia transformed from a biscuit-centric company into a broader packaged foods business, adding dairy, bread, and snack categories while expanding its rural reach.
The Varun Berry resignation news comes at a time when Britannia’s share price dropped sharply. As a result, it fell more than 6% in one session, and investors quickly reacted to the sudden leadership change.
What Prompted the Varun Berry Resignation News Change?
While Berry had been recently redesignated as CEO in May 2025, the board announced the appointment of Rakshit Hargave as the new CEO & Managing Director, effective 15 December 2025, subject to shareholder approval.
In the interim, Britannia has appointed its CFO, Natarajan Venkataraman, as acting CEO.
The board cited Berry’s “substantial contribution” to Britannia’s success and expressed full confidence in the incoming leadership.
Legacy of Varun Berry
During the era defined by his leadership, Britannia’s revenues more than doubled, profitability expanded significantly, and its market capitalisation soared. Analysts attribute this growth to Berry’s focus on innovation, cost-efficiency, premiumisation, and geographic expansion.
Once a biscuit maker, Britannia under Berry expanded into new food segments and boosted rural distribution. These steps now shape its next growth phase.
What’s Next for Britannia After Varun Berry Resignation News?
With the focus turning to Varun Berry resignation news, stakeholders are asking how Britannia will navigate the transition. Key questions include:
- Can the incoming CEO replicate Berry’s growth momentum in an increasingly competitive FMCG environment?
- Will the strategic direction shift as new leadership settles in?
- How will investors react in the short term, given the recent share price dip?
Analysts caution that the abruptness of Berry’s exit—his notice period was reportedly waived—introduces some near‐term uncertainty.
At the same time, Britannia has outlined its next growth levers: greater category diversification, cost discipline, rural expansion, and global ambition.
Implications for the FMCG Sector
Berry’s exit is important for Britannia and symbolic for India’s FMCG sector, where leadership changes in old firms are under focus. The Varun Berry resignation news shows that even top leaders may leave early to allow new leadership.
It also underscores how companies manage cultural continuity and strategic focus during transitions of this scale.
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