Dabur India is likely to appoint Herjit S Bhalla, a senior executive from The Hershey Company, as its new India Chief Executive Officer, according to people aware of the matter. The appointment is expected to be part of a broader leadership transition at the homegrown FMCG major, with current CEO Mohit Malhotra moving into an elevated role within the organisation.
Bhalla is presently Vice President for Canada and Global Customers at Hershey, where he oversees key international markets and strategic customer relationships. Over more than eight years at the US-based confectionery giant, he has held leadership roles across Canada, Asia-Pacific, West Asia and Africa, gaining experience across chocolates, confectionery and snacking categories. His global exposure is seen as a strong fit as Dabur navigates an increasingly competitive and premiumising consumer landscape.
Before joining Hershey, Bhalla spent over a decade and a half at Hindustan Unilever in various sales and marketing roles and later worked with Metro Cash & Carry. His career spans modern trade, traditional retail and multinational FMCG operations, making him a seasoned operator in complex, high-scale consumer markets.
The potential leadership change at Dabur comes amid a wave of senior management reshuffles across India’s FMCG sector. Companies including Hindustan Unilever, Britannia, Nestle India, Wipro Consumer Care, L’Oréal India and Hindustan Coca-Cola Beverages have all announced CEO or top leadership changes over the past year. The shifts reflect a challenging operating environment marked by uneven demand, rapid growth of digital-first brands, and renewed focus on rural consumption.
Dabur, whose portfolio includes Vatika, Real, Hajmola and Chyawanprash, reported revenue of ₹12,563 crore in FY25, with over half of its sales coming from rural markets. In its recent quarterly update, the company projected mid-single-digit revenue growth and stronger profitability in the coming quarters, citing favourable macro conditions and recent tax reforms that could support a gradual recovery in consumer demand.
If finalised, Bhalla’s appointment would mark a strategic move by Dabur to blend global FMCG expertise with its strong domestic and rural-focused business model.
