Eternal ($ETERNAL) Shares Steady as Albinder Dhindsa Succeeds Deepinder Goyal

MUMBAI — Eternal Limited ($ETERNAL) shares stabilized on Monday as the market formally integrated the leadership transition following the resignation of founder Deepinder Goyal as Group CEO. Goyal, who officially stepped down on February 1 to pursue high-risk ventures outside the public sector, has handed the reins to Blinkit founder Albinder Dhindsa. This shift marks a significant strategic pivot for the conglomerate, which recently rebranded from Zomato. Despite the executive shake-up, the stock rose to ₹272.65, representing a steady recovery compared to its 11.55% slump over the previous six months.

Leadership Handover and Strategic Continuity

The transition, first announced in late January, was formally completed over the weekend. According to a regulatory filing reported by Bloomberg News, Albinder Singh Dhindsa, who led the hyper-growth of quick-commerce arm Blinkit, assumed the role of Group CEO and Managing Director. Deepinder Goyal will continue to serve as Vice Chairman, providing continuity in strategic oversight while distancing himself from daily operations.

Goyal’s departure from the CEO role is reportedly driven by his desire to explore "high-risk exploration and experimentation" through independent projects like his longevity-focused research arm, Continue, and aviation startup, LAT Aerospace. As noted in a report by Time India, Goyal emphasized that these ventures are better suited for private exploration rather than a publicly listed entity like Eternal.

Market Reaction and Financial Outlook

The market has reacted with cautious optimism to the promotion of Dhindsa, who is credited with turning Blinkit into Eternal's primary revenue driver. Data from Outlook Business indicates that the company's market capitalization remains robust at approximately ₹2.62 trillion.

Analysts suggest that the consolidation of Zomato, Blinkit, and Hyperpure under a dedicated quick-commerce veteran could streamline the company's path to increased profitability. The stock's performance today, oscillating between a low of ₹266.00 and a high of ₹276.30, suggests that investors view the succession as a move from a position of operational strength rather than a sign of internal turmoil.