Colgate-Palmolive Elevates Prabha Narasimhan to Asia-Pacific Role, Names Manish Anandani India MD and CEO
Colgate-Palmolive India Limited has announced a leadership transition under which current Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer Prabha Narasimhan will take on a regional executive position, while Manish Anandani will step in as the company’s new India head in late September 2026.
What Happened
According to a company announcement, Prabha Narasimhan has been elevated to the role of Executive Vice President – Marketing for the Asia-Pacific Division of Colgate-Palmolive. Her transition takes effect at the close of business hours on 27 September 2026.
To lead the Indian business into its subsequent operational phase, the Board of Directors approved the appointment of Manish Anandani as Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, effective 28 September 2026. Anandani previously spent 13 years with Colgate-Palmolive between 2005 and 2018 before taking on leadership responsibilities at Kenvue.
Key Highlights
- Executive Elevation: Prabha Narasimhan moves from leading the Indian arm to overseeing Asia-Pacific marketing for Colgate-Palmolive following a four-year tenure as India MD and CEO.
- New Leadership: Manish Anandani brings three decades of industry experience across sales, marketing, general management, and corporate leadership to his new position.
- Prior Experience: Anandani returns to Colgate-Palmolive from Kenvue (formerly Johnson & Johnson Consumer Health), where he served as Managing Director for India and South Asia. His earlier 13-year stint at Colgate included roles in India, Indochina, and the corporate headquarters as Worldwide Director in Global Customer Development.
- Past Leadership Track Record: Prior to joining Colgate-Palmolive India, Narasimhan held senior leadership roles at Hindustan Unilever, including Executive Director for Home Care.
- Milestone and Digital Growth: The transition coincides with Colgate-Palmolive marking 90 years of operations in India. In recent periods, the company reported high double-digit top-line expansion in its e-commerce channel, where premium items account for over 50 percent of sales and gross margins are 400 basis points higher than company averages.
Why This Matters
The leadership changes come as Colgate-Palmolive India advances its premiumisation agenda and operational investments. During Narasimhan’s four years heading the business, the company accelerated its premium portfolio growth to five times the broader market rate, while increasing its focus on digital commerce, quick-commerce expansion, and consumer-focused innovation across both urban and rural India.
Anandani takes charge as the business maintains a sharp focus on digital channels and rapid delivery platforms. The company has highlighted these distribution avenues as key drivers for volume, market share, and margin accretion, supported by ongoing science-led innovations in oral and personal care categories.
What to Watch Next
The formal handover of responsibilities will take place in late September 2026. Narasimhan will conclude her current mandate on 27 September 2026 to begin her regional Asia-Pacific marketing duties, while Anandani will officially assume the office of Managing Director and CEO on 28 September 2026 to lead the company’s growth strategy in India.
Frequently Asked Questions
When will the leadership change take effect?
Prabha Narasimhan’s elevation takes effect at the close of business hours on 27 September 2026, and Manish Anandani will officially assume the role of Managing Director and CEO on 28 September 2026.
What will Prabha Narasimhan’s new role be?
Narasimhan will serve as Executive Vice President – Marketing for the Asia-Pacific Division at Colgate-Palmolive.
Where was Manish Anandani working before this appointment?
Anandani joins from Kenvue (formerly Johnson & Johnson Consumer Health), where he served as the Managing Director for India and South Asia.
Had Manish Anandani worked with Colgate-Palmolive previously?
Yes. Anandani spent 13 years with Colgate-Palmolive between 2005 and 2018, holding leadership positions across India, Indochina, and the corporate office, including Worldwide Director in Global Customer Development.
Source: Colgate-Palmolive India Limited press statement via PRNewswire.