MUMBAI: In a surprise move, Jubilant FoodWorks has announced that Chitrank Goel, its  executive vice president and business head for Dunkin', has tendered his resignation.

The donut boss, who joined the company in September 2021, will hang up his apron on 15 April after a tenure of three years and seven months. Jubilant's board will be look for his replacement "in due course," according to the regulatory filing with the Bombay stock exchange.

Goel's departure comes at a critical juncture for the company as it continues expanding its portfolio beyond the flagship Domino's Pizza brand. The executive was tasked with not only steering the Dunkin' ship but also "incubating new brands.”

Before joining the Jubilant family, Goel spent a whopping 14 years with consumer goods giant Unilever, where he cut his teeth across various markets. His last role there saw him heading the ice cream business unit in Poland and Baltics. 

Industry insiders speculate that Goel's extensive international experience and proven track record in scaling businesses might have attracted a juicier offer elsewhere. The resignation letter, dated 11 March, mentions he's leaving "to take up an external opportunity" – corporate-speak for "found a better gig."

During his Unilever days, Goel boasted impressive achievements, including boosting growth rates from 7 per cent to 16 per cent in the out-of-home channel and unlocking "disproportionate growth" in quick commerce.