Laxman Narasimhan is an Indian-American business executive and former chief executive officer of Starbucks and Reckitt, previously serving as PepsiCo’s chief commercial officer.
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Laxman Narasimhan was born on May 15, 1967, in Pune, India. Laxman Narasimhan is 57 years old as of 2024. His journey from India to becoming a top executive in global corporations is an inspiring story of dedication and achievement.
Early Life, and Education
Laxman Narasimhan was born into a Hindu family in Pune, India. He pursued his education with a focus on both engineering and business. He earned a degree in mechanical engineering from the College of Engineering, Pune.
Seeking to expand his knowledge and global perspective, he continued his studies in the United States, where he earned a Master’s degree in International Studies from The Lauder Institute at the University of Pennsylvania, and an MBA in Finance from The Wharton School, also at the University of Pennsylvania. His strong educational background laid the foundation for his impressive career.
Career, and Exit Package From Starbucks
Narasimhan’s career began with McKinsey & Company, where he spent 19 years, eventually becoming a director and leading their New Delhi office.
In 2012, he joined PepsiCo and rose to the position of Chief Commercial Officer (CCO). His leadership skills caught the attention of Reckitt Benckiser, where he was appointed CEO in September 2019.
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At Reckitt, Narasimhan was tasked with turning around the company after a period of slow growth and strategic missteps. However, in September 2022, he resigned unexpectedly, citing personal and family reasons.
Later in 2022, Starbucks announced that Narasimhan would take over as CEO, succeeding Howard Schultz, who had been serving as interim CEO.
To better understand the company, Narasimhan trained as a barista for six months before officially taking on the role in April 2023. His approach to leadership at Starbucks included a more open stance on unionization compared to his predecessor. However, his time at Starbucks was relatively short.
In August 2024, Starbucks announced that Narasimhan would leave the company, effective immediately, with Brian Niccol, the former CEO of Chipotle, stepping in as his replacement.
Family, Personal Life, and Facts: Parents, Siblings, Wife, and Children
Laxman Narasimhan is married to his wife Vidhya and has two children. The family resides in Greenwich, Connecticut. A well-rounded individual, Narasimhan speaks six languages, reflecting his global experience and cultural adaptability.
Salary, and Net Worth
According to Securities and Exchange Commission filings from September, Narasimhan had a base salary of $1.3 million per year. The estimated net worth of Laxman Narasimhan is at least $22 million.
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