Deepinder Goyal has stepped down as Chief Executive Officer of Eternal, the parent organisation of food delivery major Zomato, marking a significant leadership transition at one of India’s most prominent consumer technology companies. Albinder Dhindsa, a seasoned entrepreneur and co-founder of logistics firm Delhivery, has been named as his successor and will take charge of the organisation’s next phase of growth.

The move comes at a time when Eternal is focusing on consolidating its businesses, improving profitability, and strengthening governance structures across its portfolio. While no immediate reason was cited for Goyal’s resignation, sources indicate that the transition is part of a planned leadership restructuring aimed at separating ownership vision from day-to-day operational management.

Deepinder Goyal, who co-founded Zomato and has been the public face of the company for over a decade, is widely credited with transforming the platform from a restaurant discovery website into a diversified food-tech and quick-commerce player. Under his leadership, Zomato expanded into food delivery, dining-out services, and rapid grocery delivery, while also navigating the company through its initial public offering and volatile market conditions.

Industry observers say Goyal’s exit from the CEO role at Eternal signals a shift towards a more institutional management approach as the group matures. Although he has resigned as CEO, he is expected to continue playing a strategic role within the organisation, ensuring continuity in long-term vision and stakeholder confidence.

Albinder Dhindsa’s appointment is being viewed as a strategic choice, given his experience in scaling large, technology-driven operations. As the co-founder and former CEO of Delhivery, Dhindsa has deep expertise in logistics, supply chain optimisation, and building sustainable business models — areas that are increasingly critical for Zomato and its allied ventures.

Analysts believe Dhindsa’s leadership could help Eternal sharpen its focus on operational efficiency, cost discipline, and execution at scale. With competition intensifying in food delivery and quick-commerce segments, the group is under pressure to balance growth with profitability while responding to changing consumer behaviour.

The leadership change has drawn mixed reactions from investors and startup ecosystem watchers. While some view it as a positive step towards professionalisation and long-term stability, others see it as the end of an era, given Goyal’s strong personal association with the Zomato brand.

Eternal has not announced any immediate changes to its business strategy following the transition. However, insiders suggest that the new leadership may prioritise streamlining operations, strengthening unit economics, and exploring synergies across group companies.

As one of India’s most closely watched consumer internet groups, Eternal’s leadership reshuffle will be closely tracked in the coming months. The handover from founder-led management to a new CEO underscores the evolving nature of India’s startup ecosystem, where companies are increasingly preparing for sustained growth beyond their founding leadership.