Deepinder Goyal Steps Down as Eternal CEO; Albinder Dhindsa Takes the Helm in Strategic Leadership Transition

In one of the most significant leadership developments in India’s tech and consumer internet landscape, Deepinder Goyal, co-founder of Zomato and the longstanding Group Chief Executive Officer of Eternal Ltd, has announced his resignation, effective February 1, 2026. His successor will be Albinder Singh Dhindsa, the current CEO of quick-commerce platform Blinkit, marking a new chapter for the company’s leadership and strategic priorities.

A Founder’s Legacy: From Startup to Market Leader

Deepinder Goyal’s journey with Eternal traces back to 2008 when he launched Zomato (formerly Foodiebay) alongside Pankaj Chaddah. Over nearly two decades, he transformed the platform from a restaurant discovery app into a global public company, rebranded in 2025 as Eternal Ltd, with businesses spanning food delivery, quick commerce, B2B food services, and more.

Under Goyal’s leadership, Zomato became a household name in India’s on-demand economy, entering the public markets and broadening its services across major Indian cities and international markets. His executive style combined visionary risk-taking with relentless operational focus, helping scale the company into a diversified consumer-tech conglomerate.

Why Goyal Stepped Down: Focus on New Frontiers

In a detailed letter to shareholders, Goyal explained his decision to step aside as CEO. While acknowledging his continued commitment to Eternal’s mission, he said he is increasingly drawn to higher-risk, experimental ideas that are not aligned with the strategic scope of a publicly listed company like Eternal. He stated that such ventures require a flexibility and risk appetite that falls outside Eternal’s core business framework.

Goyal expressed confidence in Eternal’s leadership depth and institutional strength, noting that the company will remain sharply focused on its existing growth areas. He also clarified that his transition would not affect his long-term commitment to the company, he will remain involved in strategy, governance, culture, and leadership development, provided that shareholder approval is obtained for his new role as Vice Chairman.

The Successor: Albinder Singh Dhindsa

Albinder Singh Dhindsa, widely known simply as Albi, has been appointed as Eternal’s new Group CEO. Currently the CEO of Blinkit, the instant grocery and quick commerce business, Dhindsa brings a strong operational track record and deep experience in scaling complex logistics and on-demand delivery models.

Dhindsa’s ascent reflects both internal succession planning and a strategic nod to quick commerce as a key growth driver for the parent company. During his tenure at Blinkit, he played a central role in transforming the platform into a more profitable and efficient business, overseeing supply chain improvements and operational rigor that helped stabilize its economics.

As the new CEO of Eternal, Dhindsa will oversee day-to-day operations across the group’s businesses, including Zomato, Blinkit, and other subsidiaries, ensuring continuity while steering strategic execution on expansion, customer experience, and competitive positioning. Goyal’s letter underscored Dhindsa’s “battle-hardened founder DNA” and capability to deliver on execution priorities.

Strategic Implications of the Leadership Shift

Analysts believe the leadership transition signals several strategic shifts for Eternal:

• Focus on Quick Commerce Growth: Under Dhindsa, the company may place greater operational emphasis on Blinkit and instant delivery, a segment witnessing rapid competitive intensity from rivals such as Swiggy and Zepto.

• Operational Discipline: Dhindsa’s reputation for operational efficiency may streamline processes and improve cost economics across the group’s units.

• Founder Transition in Indian Tech: Goyal’s willingness to step back from the CEO role yet remain engaged in strategy aligns with a global trend of founders transitioning to non-executive roles while empowering seasoned operators to lead execution.

What This Means for Eternal’s Future

While Goyal will no longer lead the company on a daily basis, his influence over long-term strategy and culture remains intact. The transition is designed to combine operational robustness with visionary pursuit of innovation, allowing Eternal to maintain growth momentum while exploring new strategic horizons outside its present structure.

Market response to the announcement has been broadly positive, with investors appreciating the clarity of succession planning and Dhindsa’s credentials as a leader focused on execution excellence.