Manish Tiwary Appointed as Managing Director of Nestlé India Limited

In a significant leadership transition, Manish Tiwary, former head of Amazon India, has been appointed as the Managing Director of Nestlé India Limited. His tenure will begin on 1st August 2025, following the retirement of the company’s current Chairman and Managing Director, Suresh Narayanan, who will step down on 31st July 2025. This leadership change marks an important phase for Nestlé India as it moves forward under the guidance of a seasoned business leader with nearly three decades of experience in the consumer goods and e-commerce sectors.

Leadership Legacy of Suresh Narayanan

Suresh Narayanan has been a pivotal figure in Nestlé’s success in India. With over 26 years of service at the Nestlé Group, his leadership has seen the company grow and navigate through various phases of expansion, including handling crises such as the Maggi noodles controversy in India. Known for his crisis management skills and strategic acumen, Narayanan has helped Nestlé India strengthen its market position in the fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) industry.

His tenure will officially conclude at the close of business hours on 31st July 2025, after which Manish Tiwary will assume the reins as the new Managing Director.

Manish Tiwary’s Appointment: A New Chapter for Nestlé India

Manish Tiwary’s appointment as the Managing Director of Nestlé India is being viewed as a move towards driving digital transformation and supply chain modernization in the FMCG sector. Tiwary brings with him a wealth of experience, having spent the majority of his career leading large-scale operations, both in the consumer goods and e-commerce industries. His leadership style, which blends traditional FMCG knowledge with modern digital strategies, is expected to guide Nestlé India through its next phase of growth and innovation.

Manish Tiwary’s Professional Journey: From Unilever to Amazon

Manish Tiwary’s professional career spans nearly three decades, with significant contributions to major multinational corporations. His career trajectory reflects his expertise in sales, marketing, and general management, along with his ability to drive strategic initiatives across regions and sectors.

1. Unilever (1996 – 2016)

Tiwary started his career with Unilever, where he worked for 20 years. During his tenure, he took on multiple roles in sales, marketing, and general management across various categories such as food, beverages, and personal care. He held responsibilities across different geographical regions, including India, the Gulf, and North Africa. His time at Unilever allowed him to gain deep insights into consumer behavior, retail strategy, and market penetration, establishing him as a versatile leader in the FMCG space.

2. Amazon India (2016 – 2024)

Tiwary made the shift to e-commerce by joining Amazon India in 2016 as the Country Manager. At Amazon, Tiwary spearheaded several key initiatives aimed at expanding Amazon’s footprint in India. Under his leadership, Amazon India witnessed significant growth in customer acquisition, product categories, and supply chain enhancements. His ability to manage large-scale operations in a high-growth, fast-paced digital environment further solidified his reputation as a transformative leader in the retail sector.

During his tenure at Amazon, Tiwary also served as a director at Amazon Digital Services Private Limited and More Consumer Brands Private Limited. However, in preparation for his new role at Nestlé India, he is set to step down from these directorships on 30th October 2024.

Educational Background and Key Achievements

Manish Tiwary holds a Bachelor of Technology (B. Tech) in Computer Science and an MBA from the Indian Institute of Management (IIM), Bangalore. His educational background in both technology and business provides him with a unique perspective, particularly in an era where digital transformation is reshaping the consumer goods industry.

His experience in digitally-driven ecosystems, combined with his strong foundation in traditional FMCG management, makes him the ideal choice to lead Nestlé India into its next phase of growth. As the company continues to innovate its product offerings and expand into new markets, Tiwary’s dual expertise in consumer behavior and digital commerce will likely play a crucial role in shaping the company’s future strategies.

Nestlé India: Moving Towards a New Era

The transition in leadership at Nestlé India comes at a time when the FMCG giant is exploring new opportunities in digital marketing, sustainability, and supply chain optimization. The company has a strong legacy of delivering quality products, including household names like Maggi, KitKat, Nescafé, and Cerelac.

With Tiwary at the helm, Nestlé India is expected to further leverage technology-driven solutions to streamline its operations, improve its supply chain, and enhance customer engagement through digital channels. Additionally, his experience at Amazon will likely help the company strengthen its presence in online retail and e-commerce, areas that have seen tremendous growth in recent years.