Vadilal Industries Limited , a prominent player in the Indian ice cream and frozen food industry, has announced a significant change in its leadership structure. The company's board has approved the re-designation of three key promoter directors from executive to non-executive positions, marking a shift in the company's governance approach.

Leadership Transition

The board's decision affects three prominent figures within the company:

1. Mr. Rajesh R. Gandhi
2. Mr. Devanshu L. Gandhi
3. Mr. Janmajay V. Gandhi

These directors will transition from their current roles as Executive Directors to become Non-Executive Non-Independent Directors. This change is set to take effect from September 29, 2025, or upon the appointment of a Chief Executive Officer (CEO), whichever occurs earlier.

Timing and Terms

The re-designation is aligned with the company's articles of association, which mandate this transition. Despite the change in their roles, all three directors will continue to serve on the board until May 13, 2030, completing their remaining appointment terms.

Decision-Making Process

The decision for this leadership restructuring was not taken lightly. It came as a result of a recommendation from the Nomination and Remuneration Committee, which was subsequently approved during a board meeting held on September 13, 2025.

Implications for Vadilal Industries

This move represents a significant shift in Vadilal Industries' corporate governance structure. By transitioning these promoter directors to non-executive roles, the company is potentially paving the way for professional management to take a more active role in day-to-day operations.

The change could also signal Vadilal's commitment to aligning with best practices in corporate governance, potentially enhancing its appeal to institutional investors who often look favorably upon companies with a clear separation between ownership and management.

As Vadilal Industries prepares for this transition, stakeholders will be keenly watching how this change impacts the company's strategic direction and operational efficiency in the competitive ice cream and frozen food market.

Vadilal Industries Limited , a prominent player in the Indian ice cream market, has announced a significant leadership change. The company's Board of Directors has approved the appointment of Himanshu Kanwar as the new Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Key Managerial Personnel, effective September 29, 2025.

Appointment Details

The decision to appoint Kanwar was made during a board meeting held on September 9, 2025, following a recommendation from the Nomination & Remuneration Committee. Kanwar's tenure as CEO is set for a period of five years, signaling the company's commitment to long-term strategic leadership.

Himanshu Kanwar's Profile

Himanshu Kanwar brings over two decades of rich experience in the consumer business sector to Vadilal Industries. His career highlights include:

• Current Role: General Manager, Growth & Marketing Practice at XTO10X, where he mentors fast-scaling consumer businesses across various sectors including beauty, food, fintech, and OTT.
• Previous Experience: Senior leadership roles at Hindustan Unilever Limited (HUL), including:
  • Business Head for Ice Creams
  • Global Brand Director for HUL's South Asia Haircare portfolio

Professional Achievements

During his tenure at HUL, Kanwar made significant contributions:

• As Ice Cream Business Head, he drove robust growth through strategic acquisitions, disruptive innovations, and sustained margin expansion.
• In his role as Global Brand Director, he led brand strategy, innovation pipelines, and positioning refreshes for iconic personal care brands, strengthening HUL's market leadership.

Educational Background

Kanwar's educational qualifications underscore his blend of technical and management expertise:

• MBA from Indian Institute of Management Calcutta, specializing in Marketing
• Computer Engineering degree from Delhi College of Engineering

Industry Perspective

Kanwar is recognized in the industry for his ability to bridge the gap between established FMCG companies and emerging digital-first businesses. His experience spans:

• Classical brand-building
• New-age digital marketing
• Driving innovation and market transformation
• Creating sustainable value in consumer businesses

Vadilal's Strategic Move

The appointment of Himanshu Kanwar as CEO appears to be a strategic decision by Vadilal Industries to leverage his extensive experience in the FMCG sector, particularly in ice creams. His background in both traditional and digital marketing strategies could potentially help Vadilal navigate the evolving consumer landscape and drive growth in the competitive ice cream market.

As Vadilal Industries prepares for this leadership transition, stakeholders will be watching closely to see how Kanwar's expertise and vision will shape the company's future strategies and market position in the coming years.