Laxman Narasimhan is an Indian-American business executive who has achieved remarkable success in his career. Born and raised in Pune, India, Narasimhan’s drive and determination have led him to become one of the most prominent CEOs in the world.
Path to success
Narasimhan’s journey to success began with his education. He earned a degree in mechanical engineering from the prestigious College of Engineering in Pune, followed by an MA in German and International Studies from The Lauder Institute at the University of Pennsylvania, and an MBA in Finance from the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania.
After completing his education, Narasimhan began his career at McKinsey, where he worked for 19 years, rising to director and location manager for their New Delhi office. In 2012, he joined PepsiCo, quickly rising through the ranks to become the chief commercial officer.
Setback
In September 2019, Narasimhan was appointed as CEO of Reckitt Benckiser. Under his leadership, the company underwent a significant transformation, implementing a turnaround plan to rejuvenate the business after a period of lackluster growth. However, Narasimhan unexpectedly resigned in September 2022, citing personal and family reasons.
Despite this setback, his career has been characterized by resilience and a commitment to excellence. His dedication to his work, combined with his impressive linguistic skills (he speaks six languages), has made him a formidable force in the business world.
Now, Narasimhan is set to take on his biggest challenge yet as CEO of Starbucks. His appointment has been hailed as a game-changer for the coffee giant, which has been undergoing a period of transition in recent years.
His journey to success is an inspiration to us all. From his early days in Pune to his current role as CEO of one of the world’s most iconic brands, he has shown that with hard work, determination, and a commitment to excellence, anything is possible.