Laxman Narasimhan – a name that has recently taken the business world by storm. Born on May 15, 1967, into a Maharashtrian Hindu family in Pune, India, Narasimhan’s journey from mechanical engineering in Pune to the corner office at Starbucks’ headquarters is nothing short of inspirational.
Early Life and Education of Laxman Narasimhan
Narasimhan’s foundation was built on a strong educational background. Laxman Narasimhan earned a degree in mechanical engineering from the College of Engineering, Pune, setting the stage for his future successes.
But his thirst for knowledge didn’t stop there. Laxman Narasimhan furthered his education, obtaining an MA in German and International Studies from The Lauder Institute at the University of Pennsylvania and an MBA in Finance from the prestigious Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania. These academic pursuits equipped him with the knowledge and skills needed to excel in the competitive world of business.
The McKinsey Years
Narasimhan’s professional journey began with a nearly two-decade stint at McKinsey, one of the world’s leading management consulting firms. During his time there, he rose through the ranks to become a director and location manager for their New Delhi office.
His expertise in advising companies across various industries, including retail, consumer goods, and healthcare, laid the foundation for his future leadership roles in the corporate world.
PepsiCo: A Stepping Stone to Success
In 2012, Narasimhan ventured into the realm of consumer goods when he joined PepsiCo. His impressive journey within the company included positions like the global chief commercial officer and CEO of the company’s Latin America, Europe, and Sub-Saharan Africa operations.
This experience not only honed his leadership skills but also allowed him to craft PepsiCo’s long-term growth strategy and enhance its commercial capabilities.
The Reckitt Benckiser Turnaround
Narasimhan’s true mettle as a business leader came to the forefront when he assumed the role of CEO at Reckitt Benckiser in September 2019. He took the helm during a challenging period for the company, characterized by missteps and lacklustre growth.
However, Laxman Narasimhan was undeterred and swiftly formulated a turnaround plan. His vision was clear – to rejuvenate the company and position it for sustainable growth.
Under Narasimhan’s guidance, Reckitt Benckiser underwent a transformation. Laxman Narasimhan reimagined the company’s most notable labels and introduced new customers to its core brands, doubling the size of the company’s e-commerce business. The challenge escalated when the COVID-19 pandemic struck, but Narasimhan’s leadership saw Reckitt Benckiser adapt and thrive during this tumultuous time.
His commitment to servant leadership was evident as he launched initiatives aimed at improving health and hygiene behaviours in communities worldwide. Furthermore, he championed sustainability, ensuring that Reckitt Benckiser fulfilled its purpose of protecting, healing, and nurturing for a cleaner, healthier world.
A New Journey at Starbucks
Narasimhan’s stellar career took an unexpected turn when he joined Starbucks as the interim CEO in October 2022, following the footsteps of Howard Schultz. In April 2023, he officially succeeded Schultz as the CEO of this global coffee giant.
During his transition to Starbucks, Laxman Narasimhan undertook a unique immersion experience, working closely with employees in over 30 stores, manufacturing plants, and support centres worldwide. He even earned his barista certification, demonstrating his commitment to understanding every facet of the business.
In his new role, Laxman Narasimhan continues to embody Starbucks’ vision of human connection. He acknowledges the remarkable foundation laid by Schultz and is determined to build on it. As he leads a team of more than 450,000 Starbucks partners worldwide, he sees limitless possibilities to deliver for customers, investors, and communities with every cup and every connection.
Narasimhan’s appointment as the CEO of Starbucks adds him to the list of Indian-origin leaders at the helm of global corporations, alongside luminaries like Satya Nadella, Shantanu Narayen, Sundar Pichai, and Arvind Krishna. His multi-lingual capabilities and extensive experience across the private, public, and social sectors make him a unique and influential figure in the business world.
As a trustee of the Brookings Institution, a member of the Council on Foreign Relations, and a board member of Verizon, Narasimhan’s influence extends beyond the corporate sphere. His life journey, which has taken him across the U.S., Canada, Latin America, Europe, Asia, and Africa, is a testament to his global impact.
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