MAM
Danone India appoints Shashi Ranjan as MD
Mumbai: Danone, a global leader in the food and beverage industry, announced the appointment of Shashi Ranjan as the managing director for Danone India, effective 10 May 2024. With an extensive background in the consumer goods industry and a proven track record of leadership, Ranjan brings valuable expertise to further drive Danone’s growth and innovation in the dynamic Indian market.
In his new role, Ranjan will spearhead Danone’s strategic initiatives in India, focusing on expanding the company’s presence, strengthening partnerships, and fostering sustainable growth. Leveraging his deep understanding of consumer preferences and market dynamics, he is committed to steering Danone India towards its global vision of delivering health through food to the people of India.
Ranjan brings over two decades of experience in corporate leadership, strategic management, and organizational transformation. His robust leadership skills, strategic acumen, and passion for fostering positive change make him an exemplary fit to spearhead Danone’s operations in India.
Commenting on the appointment, Danone president of AMEA Christian Stammkoetter stated, “We are thrilled to welcome Shashi Ranjan to lead our business in India. His extensive experience and proven track record in the consumer goods industry makes him the perfect candidate to propel Danone’s growth and innovation agenda in this important market. We are confident that under his leadership, Danone India will continue to flourish and positively impact the lives of millions of consumers across the country.”
Before joining Danone India, Ranjan served as president & country head of Sebamed in India, leading the brand’s growth and market expansion. Previously, he held key roles at Johnson & Johnson, McKinsey & Company, and IBM Consulting, driving market entry strategies and business transformations. Prior to this, he served the Indian Government in General administration and strategy roles across different parts of India
Ranjan’s leadership ethos fosters innovation and continuous improvement, cultivating an environment where every day presents an opportunity to learn and inspire. His appointment marks a promising new chapter in Danone India’s journey towards growth and innovation.
Brands
YFLO appoints Tania Nijhawan as president for 2026-27 term
Dentist-entrepreneur to lead women’s body amid rising focus on leadership
NEW DELHI: Young FICCI Ladies Organisation (YFLO), the women’s arm of FICCI, has appointed Tania Nijhawan as its president for the 2026-27 tenure, effective April 2026, at a time when conversations around women’s leadership in India are gaining fresh momentum.
A cosmetic and paediatric dentist with over 15 years of experience, Nijhawan is the founder of Udana Wellness, a multi-speciality clinic in Vasant Vihar known for its focus on advanced treatments and patient-centric care. She also serves as director at Nijhawan Group and is an active investor in start-ups across health, wellness and hospitality, including Nuts For Us.
Her academic credentials include advanced training from global institutions such as New York University, the University of Southern California and University College London, shaping her multidisciplinary approach across dentistry and wellness.
YFLO has long positioned itself as a platform for leadership, entrepreneurship and professional growth, bringing together women across industries to drive dialogue and collaboration. Under Nijhawan’s leadership, the organisation is expected to sharpen its focus on cross-sector engagement and meaningful, future-facing conversations.
Speaking on her appointment, Tania Nijhawan said, “YFLO has always stood for meaningful engagement and forward-thinking dialogue. I look forward to building a platform that not only encourages exchange of ideas but also actively supports emerging voices and creates opportunities for collaboration across sectors.”
She added, “The Women’s Reservation Bill, which seeks to reserve 33% of seats for women in the Lok Sabha and State Legislative Assemblies, is not just a policy shift, it is a generational opportunity. It acknowledges the urgent need for women to have a stronger voice in shaping the nation’s future. True progress lies not just in representation, but in enabling women to lead with agency, confidence and impact.”
As president, Nijhawan will focus on curated programming, high-impact industry conversations and initiatives that bring together women across disciplines. Her theme for the year, “Lead With Your Light,” signals a push towards purpose-led leadership and greater confidence among emerging voices.
Her appointment marks a new chapter for YFLO, one that aims to align leadership, enterprise and policy at a time when women’s voices are increasingly central to India’s growth story.
