Embroiled in Maggi controversy, does Nestle India need a local face?

Since 1998, Nestle, now embroiled in a controversy over the presence of lead in its Maggi noodles and staring down the barrel of a possible product ban, has been led by expats in the country. In its hour of need, the company has found itself lacking a local face who can communicate directly and well with regulators and the media.

Since 1998, Nestle, now embroiled in a controversy over the presence of lead in its Maggi noodles and staring down the barrel of a possible product ban, has been led by expats in the country. In its hour of need, the company has found itself lacking a local face who can communicate directly and well with regulators and the media.

File-photo-of-packets-of-Nestle-s-Maggi-instant-noodles-at-a-shop-Reuters-Photo

In contrast to Nestle, Hindustan Unilever has been led by Indians since Prakash Tandon took over as the first chairman of the company in 1961. At that time, 191 of Hindustan Unilever’s 205 managers were Indian, a timeline on the company’s website says.

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