Why Deepinder Goyal resigned as Eternal CEO: founder explains his exit, names Blinkit’s Albinder Dhindsa as successor, and outlines what changes next.
The move has drawn attention across India’s startup and corporate ecosystem, not because of a crisis, but because of Goyal’s clear reasoning. (Photo: Social Media)
Zomato founder Deepinder Goyal has stepped down as the group chief executive officer of Eternal Ltd, marking a major leadership shift at one of India’s most prominent consumer tech companies. Blinkit CEO Albinder Dhindsa has taken over the role with immediate effect, according to the company’s regulatory disclosure.
The move has drawn attention across India’s startup and corporate ecosystem, not because of a crisis, but because of Goyal’s clear reasoning: he wants to explore high-risk ideas that do not fit within the structure of a listed company. In a detailed letter to shareholders, Goyal explained why he chose to step aside from the top executive role while continuing his long-term association with Eternal.
In his letter, Goyal said his decision stems from a growing pull toward experimentation beyond Eternal’s current business scope. “Of late, I have found myself drawn to a set of new ideas that involve significantly higher-risk exploration and experimentation. These are the kinds of ideas that are better pursued outside a public company like Eternal,” he wrote.
He made it clear that this was not a question of commitment or capability. Instead, it was about ensuring Eternal remains focused and disciplined.
“Eternal deserves to remain focused, and disciplined, while exploring new areas of growth that are relevant to its current line of business,” Goyal said.
Goyal also pointed to the regulatory and legal responsibilities that come with leading a listed company in India. “While I believe I personally have the bandwidth to continue what I am doing at Eternal, and also explore new ideas outside of it, the expectations, legal and otherwise, of a public company CEO in India demand singular focus,” he wrote.
According to him, stepping down allows both sides to benefit. “This transition allows Eternal to remain sharply focused, while giving me the space to explore ideas that do not fit Eternal’s risk profile.”
Despite resigning as CEO, Goyal stressed that he is not walking away from the company he built. “I have spent eighteen years, almost half my life, building this company. I will continue doing that,” he said.
He also confirmed that his working relationship with Albinder Dhindsa and Zomato CFO Akshant Goyal remains unchanged. “Our partnership, shared context, and trust remain unchanged,” he wrote, adding that all business CEOs will continue to enjoy operational autonomy.
Operational control will now rest with Dhindsa, who will oversee day-to-day execution and key decisions across the group. Goyal strongly endorsed his successor, highlighting Dhindsa’s role in turning Blinkit around.
He credited Dhindsa with taking Blinkit from acquisition to breakeven and called him a “battle-hardened founder.” “He is more than capable of leading Eternal as Group CEO,” Goyal wrote.
He also reaffirmed Blinkit’s importance to the group. “Blinkit remains our largest growth opportunity and will remain as Albi’s top priority.”
The transition signals a shift toward stronger institutional leadership at Eternal, while giving its founder room to innovate independently. With Dhindsa driving execution and Goyal staying involved in long-term vision and governance, the company aims to balance stability with growth.
