McCain Foods India’s managing director, Piyush Patnaik, has resigned from his position within a year of joining amid allegations of “improper conduct,” according to a source familiar with the situation.
The typical duration for leadership positions at McCain is four years on average.
Over the last six months or so, McCain India’s Indian division has witnessed the departure of approximately six senior-level executives across various functions, including human resources, finance, agriculture, supply chain, retail key accounts, legal, and exports.
“We confirm that Piyush Patnaik is no longer with the company,” a spokesperson for McCain Foods India stated.
As per executives familiar with the situation, Patnaik’s departure stemmed from accusations of “inappropriate conduct” within the company. In response to inquiries directed to McCain India’s office and global headquarters, the company stated in an email response, “We will have no further comment on his departure for internal confidentiality reasons.”
In response to the inquiry, Patnaik stated, “I have resigned for personal reasons. I intend to explore other interests.”
On the mid-senior level exits within the company, the McCain spokesperson said “In the past year, we have made a number of personnel changes as part of our global strategy to align and optimise leadership roles across the team”.
The representative mentioned that this involved creating new leadership opportunities globally and implementing structural changes across various business areas in India.
Patnaik joined McCain Foods India, a wholly-owned subsidiary of McCain Foods, in October last year.
