Shareholders of Britannia Industries Ltd have formally approved the appointment of Rakshit Hargave as Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director for a five-year term beginning December 15, 2025.
The company said around 80% of shareholders supported the resolution through a postal ballot conducted via remote e-voting on March 15.
Britannia’s board had earlier approved Hargave’s appointment on November 10, 2025, based on the recommendation of the Nomination and Remuneration Committee.
Hargave brings extensive experience in the consumer goods sector across India and international markets. He previously served as CEO of Birla Opus and has held leadership roles at Beiersdorf, overseeing the NIVEA business across India, Africa, ASEAN and ANZ regions.
Earlier in his career, he worked with Hindustan Unilever as Chief Operating Officer at Lakme Lever and had stints with Jubilant FoodWorks, where he helped launch the iconic 30-minute delivery promise for Domino’s Pizza in India.
He has also worked with Nestle India managing the Maggi noodles brand and began his career with Tata Motors after completing his engineering studies.
Strategic priorities
During a recent earnings call, Hargave outlined a strategic roadmap for Britannia that will address both near-term and medium-term growth opportunities.
As part of the plan, the company has appointed a new Chief Marketing Officer to oversee most business segments, excluding dairy and international operations. The move is aimed at refreshing the company’s brand positioning while leveraging Britannia’s long-standing market legacy.
Another key focus area is the development of functional foods, with the company planning to expand its portfolio in health-oriented product categories.
Hargave also highlighted five strategic priorities for the company: improving efficiencies in sales, distribution and supply chain; elevating brand experience through higher marketing investments; driving innovation and category adjacencies; targeted actions to counter regional competitors; and strengthening sustainability initiatives.
The company is also exploring new product innovations, including vegetarian versions of its Fudge Cake and Layer Cake, as part of efforts to broaden its bakery portfolio and appeal to evolving consumer preferences.
Britannia aims to continue building on its brand strength while positioning itself as a more modern and innovation-led FMCG company.