Manish Tiwary, Former Amazon India Head, to Lead Nestlé India: What This Leadership Change Means

Nestlé India announced a significant leadership change with the appointment of Manish Tiwary as the new Managing Director, effective August 1, 2025. He will succeed Suresh Narayanan, who is set to retire after a remarkable 26-year tenure at the company. This transition marks a pivotal moment for Nestlé India as it aims to rejuvenate its operations and address ongoing challenges in the fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) sector.

Background on Manish Tiwary

Manish Tiwary brings nearly three decades of experience in the e-commerce and consumer goods industries. He has been a key figure at Amazon India since 2016, where he played a crucial role in transforming the company’s consumer business operations. His leadership helped strengthen seller services and expand digital commerce across India. Before joining Amazon, Tiwary spent over 20 years at Unilever, where he held various roles in sales, marketing, and general management. He was also part of the board at Hindustan Unilever, focusing on South Asia sales.

Tiwary holds an MBA from the Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Bangalore and a bachelor’s degree in computer science from Birla Institute of Technology and Science (BITS), Mesra. His diverse background positions him well to lead Nestlé India into its next chapter.

Transitioning Leadership

Suresh Narayanan’s retirement on July 31, 2025, will conclude a significant era for Nestlé India. Under his leadership, the company successfully navigated challenges such as the food safety crisis involving its flagship Maggi noodles brand. Narayanan is credited with turning around the brand’s fortunes after it faced severe scrutiny from regulatory authorities.

The transition to Tiwary is seen as a strategic move by Nestlé’s Swiss parent company to inject fresh perspectives into its Indian operations. The nomination for Tiwary’s appointment has been received from Nestlé SA but is pending necessary approvals.

Implications for Nestlé India

Tiwary’s appointment comes at a crucial time for Nestlé India. The company has faced stagnant sales and increased competition in the FMCG market. Analysts suggest that Tiwary’s extensive experience in e-commerce could help Nestlé leverage digital platforms more effectively to reach consumers.

Nestlé India’s focus on “Good Food, Good Life” aligns with Tiwary’s vision of enhancing customer engagement through technology and innovation. His background in digital commerce may provide new avenues for growth as he looks to revitalize the brand’s presence in a competitive landscape.

Future Outlook

As Tiwary prepares to take over in August 2025, he will need to address several challenges facing Nestlé India:

• Stagnant Sales: Revitalizing product lines and exploring new market segments will be essential.
• Digital Transformation: Leveraging technology to enhance customer experience will be critical.
• Sustainability Initiatives: Aligning with global sustainability trends could improve brand loyalty among consumers.

Tiwary’s leadership style and strategic vision will play a vital role in shaping the future of Nestlé India as it aims to maintain its position as a leading player in the FMCG sector.