Why Deepinder Goyal Resigned as CEO of Eternal
Leadership Transition and Personal Vision
Deepinder Goyal stepped down from the role effective February 1, 2026, as announced in a regulatory filing and confirmed by multiple reputed news outlets.
In his letter to shareholders, Goyal emphasized that his decision was driven by a personal desire to explore higher-risk, innovative ideas — ventures that he believes cannot be fully pursued within the strategic confines and operational expectations of a publicly listed company like Eternal.
Focus on Innovation Outside Public Company Constraints
Goyal explained that the day-to-day pressures and regulatory requirements of managing a public company demand unwavering and focused execution on core business priorities. This contrasted with his growing interest in experimental and high-risk projects that fall outside Eternal’s strategic scope.
Thus, his resignation aligns with the entrepreneurial philosophy of pursuing ventures with greater personal creative latitude — a move often seen among founders once their companies reach significant maturity.
Who Is Succeeding Deepinder Goyal?
Albinder Singh Dhindsa Takes Charge as Group CEO
After Goyal’s resignation, Albinder Singh Dhindsa, the CEO of Blinkit, has been appointed the new Group Chief Executive Officer of Eternal, effective from February 1, 2026.
Dhindsa’s appointment ensures continuity and stability within Eternal, leveraging his deep experience in managing quick commerce operations — a key growth segment for the company. This transition reflects a smart internal leadership succession strategy.
Eternal’s Financial Performance Amid Leadership Change
Despite the executive shift, Eternal reported a strong financial performance in the third quarter of FY26, demonstrating the underlying resilience of its business model:
| Metric | Q3 FY26 Result | Year-on-Year Change |
|---|---|---|
| Net Profit | ₹102 crore | +73% YoY |
| Revenue from Operations | ₹16,315 crore | +201% YoY |
| Adjusted EBITDA | ₹364 crore | +28% YoY |
This financial momentum underscores that the company remains on stable footing even as it navigates a leadership transition.
Deepinder Goyal’s Legacy at Eternal and Zomato
From Startup Founder to Corporate Leader
Deepinder Goyal co-founded Zomato in 2008 (initially as Foodiebay), and over nearly two decades, he scaled it from a restaurant review platform to one of India’s largest food delivery and tech conglomerates. Eternal — rebranded from Zomato Limited — now houses multiple high-growth businesses, including Zomato, Blinkit, and Hyperpure.
Strategic Vision and Innovation Drive
Under Goyal’s leadership, Eternal successfully navigated rapid industry changes, expanding into quick commerce and B2B supply chains while maintaining competitiveness in a crowded marketplace dominated by well-funded rivals. His stewardship played a pivotal role in shaping India’s food delivery ecosystem.
Impacts and Implications of the Leadership Transition
For Investors
Investors will likely view the transition positively because:
- The succession plan is internal and well-structured.
- Key executives remain committed to Eternal’s long-term growth.
- Financial performance remains strong despite leadership change.
For Industry and Competitors
This move may spark strategic recalibrations among competitors like Swiggy and emerging quick commerce players. Leadership reshuffles at top tech firms often ripple through market valuations, strategic partnerships, and talent movement.
External and Internal References for Deeper Context
For more detailed analysis, you can explore in-depth coverage at the news zone and trusted external resources such as:
- Read more on Eternal leadership change at Reuters.
- Deep dive into the strategic reasons behind Goyal’s resignation at Moneycontrol.
- For insights into Zomato’s evolution to Eternal, see Mathrubhumi coverage.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Why did Deepinder Goyal choose to resign as CEO of Eternal?
Goyal stated that his entrepreneurial interests shifted toward exploring high-risk, experimental ideas that he believes are better pursued outside the structure of a public company.
Who is the new CEO of Eternal?
Albinder Singh Dhindsa, previously the CEO of Blinkit, has been appointed as the new Group CEO, effective February 1, 2026.
Will Deepinder Goyal remain associated with Eternal?
Yes. Subject to shareholder approval, he will remain on the board of directors as Vice Chairman, contributing to strategic decisions.
Does this leadership change affect Zomato’s operations?
No immediate changes have been announced that affect the day-to-day operations of Zomato’s food delivery business. The transition is focused on overall group leadership and strategic direction.
How is Eternal’s financial performance influencing the leadership transition?
Eternal reported robust profits and revenue growth in Q3 FY26, suggesting that leadership changes are driven by strategic motivations rather than financial distress.
Conclusion: A Strategic Turning Point for Eternal and Indian Tech
Deepinder Goyal’s resignation as CEO of Eternal marks a pivotal moment for one of India’s most iconic tech founders. While he steps back from operational leadership, his continued role as Vice Chairman ensures that his vision still influences the company’s strategic trajectory. At the same time, the appointment of Albinder Singh Dhindsa as Group CEO signals a fresh executive chapter focused on execution, growth, and long-term sustainability.
Stay updated with the latest developments at the news zone and across leading business publications, and explore deeper insights into how this leadership transition will shape the future of Eternal.
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