Varun Berry steps down as CEO of Britannia Industries

MUMBAI: After more than a decade at the helm, Varun Berry, the driving force behind Britannia Industries’ modern growth story, has stepped down as chief executive officer, with Natarajan Venkataraman taking over interim charge.

Berry’s tenure, which began in January 2013, transformed Britannia from a legacy bakery business into one of India’s most agile and profitable FMCG players. From expanding the company’s dairy portfolio to sharpening its rural reach and premium biscuit lines, Berry was instrumental in making Britannia a household name with global ambitions.

Before joining Britannia, Berry had spent nearly 15 years with PepsiCo, where he held multiple senior roles including CEO of PepsiCo Foods India and chief executive officer of International Dairy & Juice – a joint venture between PepsiCo and Almarai in Dubai. He also led operations across the Philippines and Vietnam, and began his career at Unilever’s Brooke Bond India in the late 1980s.

Under Berry’s leadership, Britannia’s revenues rose steadily, with the company expanding into new categories, healthier snacking options, and sustainability initiatives, while maintaining its biscuit dominance through brands like Good Day, Marie Gold, and Bourbon.

Natarajan Venkataraman, who will assume interim leadership, is expected to ensure business continuity as the board identifies a long-term successor.

For a man who turned tea-time snacks into serious business, Berry’s exit marks the end of a golden chapter – one baked with consistency, innovation, and plenty of good days.