In a major leadership shakeup that’s sending ripples across India’s tech and consumer internet sectors, Deepinder Goyal, co-founder of Zomato and long-time CEO of its parent company Eternal Ltd, has officially resigned from his role as Chief Executive Officer. The appointment of Albinder Singh Dhindsa, the current CEO of quick commerce arm Blinkit, as Goyal’s successor marks a pivotal transition for the company as it heads into its next growth phase.
What Happened? A Leadership Transition at the Helm
On January 21, 2026, Eternal filed a regulatory update reporting that Deepinder Goyal’s tenure as Group Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director would conclude on February 1, 2026. In his place, the board directors have named Albinder Dhindsa as the new Group CEO, effective immediately thereafter. Goyal will remain involved with the company in a strategic capacity as Vice Chairman of the Board, pending shareholder approval.
In an official letter to shareholders, Goyal explained that his decision to step down stems from a growing interest in exploring high-risk, high-innovation ideas that fall outside the traditional strategic and operational scope of a public company like Eternal. He clarified that while he believes in Eternal’s mission and future, the role of CEO demands singular focus on core business operations—prompting his move toward longer-term and riskier ventures.
Albinder Dhindsa: The New CEO and Strategic Leader
Albinder Singh Dhindsa, widely known as the founder and leader of Blinkit, has been entrusted with day-to-day operations, execution priorities, and strategic decisions for Eternal. Dhindsa’s elevation reflects the growing importance of quick commerce, a sector in which Blinkit has emerged as a key driver of growth for the group.
Goyal’s letter cited Dhindsa’s track record in steering Blinkit through acquisition and toward profitability as a core reason for the board’s confidence in him. As Group CEO, Dhindsa is expected to unify operational leadership while preserving the company’s decentralised structure—where each business unit functions with a high level of autonomy under its respective CEO.
Why This Matters: Corporate Strategy & Market Dynamics
Eternal’s restructuring comes at a time when the broader food delivery and quick commerce markets in India are rapidly evolving. With competitors like Swiggy and Amazon intensifying pressure, Eternal’s strategic focus is increasingly skewed toward quick delivery, unit economics, and sustainable growth.
The leadership change also coincides with impressive financials: Eternal’s most recent quarter showed a significant rise in profit and revenue, buoyed by quick commerce gains and expanding unit economics. This performance reinforces the logic behind elevating Dhindsa, whose operational expertise is closely tied to these growth areas.
Deepinder Goyal’s Continued Impact
Although Goyal is stepping down from his executive role, his influence on the company is far from over. By remaining on the board as Vice Chairman, he will continue to shape long-term strategy, governance priorities, cultural ethos, and leadership development initiatives. His decision to relinquish day-to-day control while staying involved at a strategic level suggests a planned and thoughtful leadership transition rather than a complete departure.
Beyond Eternal, Goyal is exploring ventures in deep tech, health tech, and innovative aerospace solutions—reflecting his interest in high-risk, high-reward projects. These pursuits include investments and early-stage involvement in startups focused on longevity, wearables, aerospace engineering, and more.
What This Means for Investors and the Market
Early market reactions hinted at a modest positive movement in Eternal’s share price following the announcement, suggesting investor confidence in the new leadership and strategic direction. Analysts and stakeholders are now closely watching Dhindsa’s leadership style, organisational restructure plans, and the firm’s ability to balance quick commerce growth with evolving consumer demands.
For employees and partners within the Eternal ecosystem, this leadership shift marks the beginning of a new chapter—one that emphasizes focused operational execution, rapid growth in key segments, and an agile approach to market challenges.
Looking Ahead
As Eternal pioneers its next phase, the company’s ability to integrate strategic vision with operational excellence will be crucial. With Albinder Dhindsa at the operational helm and Deepinder Goyal driving innovation from the boardroom, Eternal’s trajectory is poised at an inflexion point that could redefine how consumer internet businesses compete in India’s dynamic digital economy.
