Who is Aakriti Chopra? Why Zomato co-founder resigned with immediate effect

Akriti Chopra, the co-founder and Chief People Officer of Zomato, announced her resignation effective immediately, marking the end of a significant chapter in her career after 13 years with the food delivery giant. This news was disclosed through a formal filing to the stock exchange, highlighting Chopra’s pivotal role in Zomato’s growth and development over the years.

Akriti Chopra: A Career Overview

Akriti Chopra joined Zomato in November 2011 as a Senior Manager of Finance and Operations. Her journey at Zomato began during a time when the company was still carving its niche in the competitive food delivery market. Over the years, she climbed the corporate ladder, taking on increasingly important roles. Notably, she served as Chief Financial Officer (CFO) from April 2019 until October 2020, before transitioning to Head of People Development.

In June 2021, ahead of Zomato’s initial public offering (IPO), Chopra was elevated to co-founder status alongside other key members of the company. Her leadership in human resources and finance has been instrumental in shaping Zomato’s corporate culture and operational strategies. Chopra holds a Bachelor of Commerce degree from Lady Shri Ram College for Women and is a Chartered Accountant, which underscores her strong financial acumen that has benefited Zomato throughout her tenure.

Reasons for Resignation

In her resignation email addressed to CEO Deepinder Goyal, Chopra expressed gratitude for her time at Zomato, stating, “It’s been an incredibly enriching journey over the past 13 years. Thank you for everything. I’m always a call away.” While specific reasons for her departure were not detailed in the announcement, it was indicated that she intends to pursue other interests outside the company.

Chopra’s resignation comes at a time when Zomato is navigating various challenges in the competitive food delivery landscape. As rivals like Swiggy prepare for their public market debut, Zomato faces pressure to maintain its market position and innovate its service offerings.

Impact on Zomato

Chopra’s exit is significant not only because of her long-standing association with Zomato but also due to the leadership void it creates within the organization. She was one of the few female leaders in a prominent role within a tech-driven company in India. Her departure adds to a series of exits by other co-founders, including Gaurav Gupta and Mohit Gupta, which raises questions about the company’s future direction and stability.

The company has seen several leadership changes over recent years as it adapts to an evolving market landscape. Chopra’s resignation may lead to further restructuring within Zomato as it seeks to fill key positions and maintain its strategic focus.

Future Prospects

As Akriti Chopra steps away from Zomato, many are curious about her next steps. While she has not publicly disclosed specific plans following her resignation, her extensive experience in finance and human resources positions her well for future opportunities in various sectors. Given her background and expertise, it is likely that she will continue to influence the industry in some capacity.

Chopra’s departure could also inspire other women leaders within tech startups to pursue their own paths or take on more significant roles within their organizations. Her journey serves as an example of how dedication and hard work can lead to substantial achievements in challenging environments.