Suresh Narayanan Urges Legacy Brands to Recalibrate for Modern Consumers

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In a reflective exit interview with Forbes India, soon-to-retire Chairman and Managing Director of Nestlé India, Suresh Narayanan, emphasized that “legacy players will have to recalibrate their brands” to stay relevant in today’s evolving consumer landscape.

Narayanan recalled how the Maggi crisis became a turning point, reaffirming the core importance of product safety and brand trust to consumers. He underscored that genuine leadership must be grounded in unwavering integrity.

Over the course of his tenure post-2015, Narayanan led Nestlé India through a phase of explosive growth—sales soared 2.5x, profits jumped sixfold, and market capitalization compound annual growth reached 15%.

He made a compelling case for why consumers today no longer gravitate toward heritage and history alone. Instead, they’re drawn to brands that reflect their values, aspirations, and individuality. Younger generations favor innovation, premium experiences, personalization, and regional relevance—a shift he says legacy brands must acknowledge and respond to with agility and empathy.

Narayanan flagged changing market drivers that include the rise of quick-commerce, digital distribution channels, and tier 2/3 market openings. These developments, he says, have transformed the concept of “moats.” Robust distribution remains a strength, but must now be redefined, modernized, and tailored to contemporary realities.

Narayanan’s tenure—marked by crisis management, innovation, and sustained growth—offers a playbook for legacy brands facing unprecedented consumer and market shifts. As he steps down, his key message is clear: evolve or risk obsolescence.