Godrej Consumer Names Aasif Malbari as New CEO

Godrej Consumer Products Ltd. (GCPL) has appointed Aasif Malbari as its new Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, replacing Sudhir Sitapati.

Malbari, who was the company’s Global Chief Financial Officer and President of Godrej Africa and GCPL International, will take over as MD and CEO from August 12, 2026, for a five-year term, subject to shareholder approval.

The leadership change comes just months after Sudhir Sitapati was reappointed for another five-year term. His decision to step down has brought an unexpected change at the top of the company.

Malbari’s appointment is expected to provide continuity, given his experience with GCPL and his understanding of its businesses in India and overseas.

• Godrej Consumer appoints Aasif Malbari as new CEO and MD
• Aasif Malbari takes charge as Godrej Consumer CEO from August 12
• Godrej Consumer names new CEO after Sudhir Sitapati steps down

Malbari Brings Experience Across FMCG and Finance

Malbari has held senior positions at Godrej Consumer Products and has served as its Global CFO since 2023. He has also been responsible for the company’s Africa and international operations, giving him experience across different markets and business segments.

Before joining GCPL, Malbari worked at Tata Motors and Hindustan Unilever. At Tata Motors, he was CFO of Tata Passenger Electric Mobility and Director at Tata Motors Passenger Vehicles. He was involved in the company’s business restructuring and fundraising activities for its electric vehicle business.

His earlier experience at Hindustan Unilever gave him a strong background in consumer goods and financial management. At GCPL, he has also played a role in improving the company’s Africa business.

The company said its Africa business expanded its FMCG portfolio under his leadership, including the growth of its air-care category and hair-fashion business. GCPL said the changes helped increase EBITDA margins in the Africa business from 9% in FY24 to 15% in FY26.

With Malbari moving into the CEO role, Vishal Kedia has been appointed interim CFO. Kedia has been part of the Godrej Group since 2016 and currently handles global strategy, financial planning and analysis, and investor relations at GCPL.

Sitapati Steps Down After Five Years

Sitapati became GCPL’s Managing Director and CEO in October 2021. During his time at the company, he focused on simplifying the product portfolio, improving operations and expanding manufacturing capacity.

His resignation took effect on August 11. He has also offered to help with the leadership transition as Malbari takes over.

The change comes at a time when GCPL is dealing with changing consumer demand and pressure on costs. While the company has reported improved quarterly results, maintaining growth and margins across its different markets remains a key priority.

GCPL is also looking at changes to its leadership structure, including the possibility of having separate CEOs for its India and international businesses. The move could allow the company to give more attention to the different needs of each market.

Executive Chairperson Nisaba Godrej has supported Malbari’s appointment, pointing to his understanding of the business and his experience in strategy and execution.

The market reaction has been cautious, with GCPL shares falling sharply after the leadership change was announced. The decline reflects investor concerns over the sudden departure of Sitapati and uncertainty around the company’s next phase.

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Malbari now takes charge at an important time for GCPL. His experience within the company, along with his background in finance and international operations, could help him maintain stability while the consumer goods company works on its next stage of growth.