Sunil Kataria Takes Over as CEO & MD of Godrej Agrovet: A New Chapter in Agri-Business Leadership

Mumbai, September 2, 2025 – In a significant leadership transition, Sunil Kataria has officially assumed the role of Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Managing Director (MD) of Godrej Agrovet Limited, effective September 1, 2025. This five-year appointment, running until August 31, 2030, marks the culmination of a meticulously planned handover following the superannuation of long-serving MD Balram Singh Yadav. Kataria, who was named CEO and MD-designate in May 2025, brings over 30 years of proven expertise in consumer packaged goods (CPG), telecom, and retail sectors, positioning him to steer the diversified agri-business giant into its next phase of growth and innovation.

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Godrej Agrovet, a flagship company of the Godrej Group and one of India’s leading players in the agribusiness sector, announced the change in a regulatory filing and press release. The company, known for its extensive portfolio spanning animal feed, crop protection, dairy, poultry, and more, operates through subsidiaries like Astec LifeSciences, Creamline Dairy Products, and Godrej Tyson Foods. Under Yadav’s stewardship since 2009, Godrej Agrovet achieved remarkable milestones, including a blockbuster IPO in 2017 that was oversubscribed 96 times. Yadav, who joined the Godrej Group in 1990, reflected on his three-decade journey, stating, “Leading Godrej Agrovet and building it into a strong agri-business conglomerate has been one of the most rewarding chapters of my career. I am deeply grateful to the entire management and team… Their trust motivated us to deliver innovative products and services that empowered farmers to enhance their productivity and enabled us to diversify into consumer-facing and CDMO businesses.”

Nadir Godrej, Chairman and Managing Director of Godrej Industries Limited, the parent entity, welcomed Kataria with enthusiasm. “We are excited to welcome Sunil as he officially steps into the role of CEO and MD of Godrej Agrovet. With a wealth of experience in building businesses across challenging operational contexts, Sunil is aligned with our intent to scale up Godrej Agrovet’s different businesses while prioritizing profitability and strengthening our brand offerings. I am sure that, under his leadership, Agrovet will further consolidate its position as India’s trusted partner in agriculture and sustainability for all stakeholders.”

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Sunil Kataria’s appointment is seen as a strategic fit for Godrej Agrovet’s ambitions in a rapidly evolving agri-sector. A graduate in Economics from Delhi University and holder of an MBA in Marketing from the Institute of Management Technology (IMT) Ghaziabad, Kataria began his career at Marico Limited, where he spent over a decade sharpening his skills in marketing and sales. His subsequent roles included leadership positions at Idea Cellular Ltd. and Subhiksha Trading Services Ltd.

Kataria’s most notable contributions came during his 11-year stint at Godrej Consumer Products Limited (GCPL), where he served as CEO of the India & SAARC cluster from 2015 to 2022. Under his leadership, GCPL managed a ₹6,800 crore business, achieving a 7% volume CAGR and dramatically improving EBITDA margins from 14% to 24%. He drove market capitalization from ₹25,000 crore to ₹65,000 crore through innovative launches in hair care, air care, and personal hygiene, while expanding direct distribution from 0.5 million to 1.2 million outlets and implementing Supply Chain 4.0 initiatives.

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More recently, as Managing Director of Raymond Lifestyle Limited, Kataria oversaw a diverse portfolio of six businesses, unlocking significant value by listing it independently and achieving a market capitalization of ₹14,000 crore. Recognized among India’s top business leaders, Kataria is a proponent of “possibility thinking,” blending strategic vision with execution excellence. Outlining his priorities for Godrej Agrovet, he said, “With each business at a different stage of evolution, my priority would be to unlock the value across the portfolio by investing in capability building, strengthening the execution of our go-to-market strategy, and scaling up high-potential businesses. I am confident that with the support of our team and stakeholders, we will continue to drive meaningful growth and create long-term value.”

This transition follows a smooth handover period, with Yadav reappointed as MD from May 1 to August 31, 2025, ensuring continuity. Kataria’s deep familiarity with the Godrej ecosystem, from his GCPL days, is expected to facilitate seamless integration.

Godrej Agrovet’s diversified operations make it a key contributor to India’s agricultural sustainability and food security. As one of the largest organized players in the compound feed market, the company partners with farmers nationwide, offering solutions in crop protection, animal health, and value-added products like “Real Good Chicken” and “Yummiez” poultry brands. Under Kataria’s leadership, the focus will likely intensify on innovation, digital capabilities, and expanding into high-growth areas such as contract development and manufacturing organization (CDMO) services.

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The appointment comes at a pivotal time for the Indian agri-sector, amid challenges like climate change, supply chain disruptions, and evolving consumer demands for sustainable practices. Kataria’s CPG and retail background could infuse fresh strategies for brand strengthening and market penetration, potentially boosting profitability across the portfolio. Industry observers anticipate that his emphasis on go-to-market execution and capability building will help Godrej Agrovet maintain its competitive edge against peers in a market projected to grow significantly.

As Godrej Agrovet reaffirms its commitment to innovation and farmer empowerment, Sunil Kataria’s tenure promises to build on the company’s legacy while navigating future opportunities. This leadership shift underscores the Godrej Group’s dedication to grooming internal talent and ensuring robust succession planning.