Rinshul Chandra, the Chief Operating Officer (COO) of Zomato’s food delivery business, has resigned. After seven years with the company, his departure on April 7, 2025, marks yet another Zomato senior management exit, sending ripples through India’s bustling foodtech scene. For a company that’s become synonymous with late-night biryani orders and quick snack deliveries, this feels personal—like losing a friend who’s been part of your daily grind. So, what’s behind this move, and what does it mean for Zomato’s future? Let’s dive in.
Who Is Rinshul Chandra?
Picture this: a sharp, driven professional who joined Zomato back in 2018 as Assistant Vice President of Product. That was Rinshul Chandra—a name that, until recently, quietly powered the engine of Zomato’s food delivery arm. Over the years, he climbed the ranks, becoming Vice President, then Head of Business for Zomato Everyday, and finally landing the COO gig in 2023. Seven years is a long haul in the fast-paced startup world, and Chandra’s journey reflects the grit and hustle that built Zomato into a household name.
In his resignation letter to CEO Deepinder Goyal—whom he affectionately calls “Deepi”—Chandra wrote, “After careful consideration, I have decided to pursue new opportunities and passions that align with my evolving personal and professional goals.” It’s a line that’s both vague and intriguing, leaving us wondering: what’s next for this 30-something leader? Before Zomato, he’d dabbled in energy with Shell and cut his teeth in product management at Magicpin. Now, with this Zomato senior management exit, he’s stepping into the unknown, chasing dreams we can only guess at.
The Timing: Why Now?
Let’s be real—resignations don’t happen in a vacuum. This Zomato senior management exit comes at a time when the company, recently rebranded as Eternal Limited, is navigating choppy waters. Just days before Chandra’s announcement on April 5, reports surfaced that Zomato had laid off nearly 600 customer support staff from its Zomato Associate Accelerator Program (ZAAP). These weren’t just numbers; they were people hired with promises of growth, only to be let go as AI-powered “Nugget” took over 80% of customer queries. It’s a stark reminder of how tech can reshape lives overnight.
Then there’s the financial angle. Zomato’s food delivery arm, its biggest revenue driver, has hit a rough patch. In Q2 FY25, the gross order value (GOV) grew a measly 4% quarter-on-quarter to INR 9,690 crore—a slowdown that’s got analysts twitching. Meanwhile, its quick commerce arm, Blinkit, is racking up losses as competition heats up with Swiggy Instamart and Zepto. Add to that a 57% drop in net profit to INR 59 crore in Q3 FY25, and you’ve got a company under pressure. Could this Zomato senior management exit signal deeper unrest?
A Wave of Exits
Chandra’s departure isn’t a solo act—it’s part of a troubling encore. Over the past year, Zomato has seen a string of Zomato senior management exits that feel like a slow bleed. In September 2024, co-founder and Chief People Officer Akriti Chopra walked away after 13 years, leaving behind a legacy that stretched from finance to HR. Then, in December 2024, Hemal Jain, the Global Head of Finance and CFO of Hyperpure, stepped down after six years, citing a desire to “explore a different path.” And let’s not forget Gunjan Tilak Raj Soni, who quit the board as an independent director in October 2024, blaming “increased work commitments.”
What’s going on here? For a company that’s soared to a $20 billion valuation and redefined how India eats, this flurry of Zomato senior management exits raises eyebrows. Is it burnout from the relentless pace of growth? A shift in strategy under the new “Eternal” banner? Or just a natural cycle for a maturing startup? Whatever the reason, losing key players like Chandra—who steered food delivery through its post-pandemic boom—feels like a punch to the gut.
The Cost
Let’s zoom out from the C-suite for a sec. I can’t help but think about the delivery partners zipping through traffic, the restaurant owners banking on Zomato’s orders, and the customers—like me—who rely on that red app for dinner. This Zomato senior management exit isn’t just about one guy leaving; it’s about the ripple effects. Chandra was a linchpin in operations, and his exit leaves a gap. Who steps up? How does Zomato keep the machine humming when its food delivery growth is stalling?
The layoffs add another layer of unease. Those 600 ZAAP employees—mostly young folks from Gurugram and Hyderabad—were promised a foot in the door, only to be shown the exit as AI took over. It’s a harsh reality of tech’s march forward, but it stings. Pair that with Chandra’s resignation, and you’ve got a narrative of change that’s equal parts progress and pain.
What the Experts Are Saying
The market didn’t take this lightly. On April 7, Zomato’s stock plunged 10% on the BSE, wiping out gains from its recent rally. Analysts are split. BofA Securities downgraded Zomato to INR 250 per share from INR 300, citing the food delivery slowdown and Blinkit’s cash burn. But others, like Nilesh Shah from Kotak Mahindra AMC, see resilience: “Zomato’s got a strong captain in Deepinder Goyal—it’ll weather this storm.” Still, this Zomato senior management exit has investors jittery, and the lack of a named successor isn’t helping.
On X, the chatter’s loud. Posts like “Zomato’s bleeding talent—what’s next?” and “Chandra’s out, AI’s in—end of an era?” capture the mood. It’s a mix of shock, speculation, and a dash of cynicism—classic social media spice.
What’s Next for Zomato?
Here’s where it gets interesting. Zomato—or Eternal, as it’s now called—hasn’t named a replacement for Chandra yet. Deepinder Goyal, the founder who’s steered this ship since 2008, is known for bold moves. Will he shuffle the deck, promote from within, or bring in fresh blood? The food delivery arm, despite its hiccups, remains Zomato’s cash cow, contributing over 60% of revenue. Keeping it steady is non-negotiable.
The bigger picture is Eternal’s evolution. With four arms—Zomato, Blinkit, District, and Hyperpure—the company’s betting on diversification. Blinkit’s quick commerce play is bleeding cash but gaining traction, while District (event bookings) and Hyperpure (B2B supplies) are still finding their feet. This Zomato senior management exit could be a chance to rethink leadership for a multi-pronged future—or a sign that the old guard’s struggling to adapt.
Rinshul’s Next Chapter
And what about Chandra? His letter hints at “new opportunities and passions,” but he’s keeping it cryptic. Maybe he’s eyeing a startup of his own—India’s foodtech space could use more innovators. Or perhaps he’s burned out and craving a quieter life (can’t blame him after seven years in the Zomato pressure cooker). Whatever it is, this Zomato senior management exit marks the end of a chapter for a guy who helped shape how millions eat.
The Bigger Picture
Zoom out, and this isn’t just about Zomato. India’s startup ecosystem is at a crossroads. Unicorns like Zomato, once scrappy underdogs, are now giants facing grown-up problems—profitability, competition, and talent retention. This Zomato senior management exit mirrors trends at Flipkart, Paytm, and others, where top execs are jumping ship as the shine of startup life wears off. It’s a reminder that even the biggest names aren’t immune to turbulence.
What It Means for You
If you’re a Zomato user, don’t panic—your paneer tikka’s still coming. But this shake-up might mean slower innovation or price tweaks as the company regroups. For investors, it’s a wait-and-see moment—Zomato’s fundamentals are solid, but sentiment’s shaky. And if you’re a job seeker, well, Eternal’s hiring page might be worth a peek—openings could be on the horizon.
As Zomato senior management exit is more than a headline—it’s a turning point. Rinshul Chandra’s departure closes a chapter for a company that’s fed India’s cravings and fueled its startup dreams. Whether Zomato emerges stronger or stumbles depends on what happens next. For now, we’re left with questions, a bittersweet goodbye, and a delivery app that’s still a tap away.
What do you think—can Zomato bounce back from this Zomato senior management exit, or is trouble brewing? Share your take in the comments! Hungry for more insights on India’s startup scene? Subscribe to our newsletter for the latest scoops, straight to your inbox. Don’t miss out—join the conversation today!
