Eternal Ltd (formerly Zomato) has announced a leadership transition with founder Deepinder Goyal stepping down as Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director, effective February 1, 2026. Albinder Singh Dhindsa, currently CEO of Blinkit, will take over as CEO, subject to shareholder and regulatory approvals, according to Reuters.
A Thoughtful Shift, Not a Goodbye
In his shareholder letter, Goyal explained that stepping aside is more about focus than fatigue. He wrote, “While I believe I personally have the bandwidth to continue what I am doing at Eternal, and also explore new ideas outside of it, the expectations, legal and otherwise, of a public company CEO in India demand singular focus.” His words clearly frame the move as one driven by the realities of public-company leadership and governance in India.
Why Now: Making Space for High-Risk Ideas
Goyal also shared that he has been feeling pulled toward ideas that may not align with a listed company’s structure and risk appetite. As he put it, “This transition allows Eternal to remain sharply focused, while giving me the space to explore ideas that do not fit Eternal’s risk profile.” The statement highlights his desire to keep Eternal disciplined and predictable while he personally explores innovation that requires more freedom and risk-taking.
Continuing With Eternal as Vice Chairman
Even as he steps down from the CEO role, Goyal will remain closely associated with the company’s long-term direction. He will transition into a Vice Chairman (non-executive) position and continue to focus on long-term strategy, culture, leadership development, and governance; the deeper framework that shapes a company beyond quarterly execution.
“Eternal Remains My Life’s Work”
Goyal also used his original words to remove any doubt about his emotional connection to the company. He stated (as per ‘Business Standard’), “I have spent eighteen years, almost half my life, building this company. I will continue doing that… I will continue to work closely together, as we always have.”
The Transition Comes at a Strong Business Moment
This leadership change also arrives alongside positive financial momentum for Eternal. The company recently reported a 73% year-on-year jump in profit for the quarter, while Blinkit posted improved performance; strengthening the narrative of a company entering a more mature and scalable chapter.
(Source: Reuters, Times of India, Business Standard, Moneycontrol)
