Laxman Narasimhan is a transformational, people-driven executive with over 30 years of experience leading and advising some of the world's most recognized global brands. A multilingual operator fluent in six languages, Laxman has built his career across the private, public, and social sectors, working throughout the United States, Canada, Latin America, Europe, Asia, and Africa. His journey reflects a remarkable story of ambition and perseverance. Arriving in the United States to pursue graduate studies, he went on to forge a distinguished career at the highest levels of global business.
Laxman brings a rare combination of strategic vision, operational discipline, and commercial acumen to every organization he leads. His work is grounded in a deep understanding of consumer dynamics, digital transformation, and the forces reshaping global markets, from deglobalization and shifting consumer behavior to the rapid rise of artificial intelligence.
He spent 19 years at McKinsey & Company, advising leading organizations across consumer goods, retail, consumer health, consumer technology, and industrials, as well as private capital, in the United States, Europe, and Asia. He then transitioned to senior operational leadership roles at PepsiCo, Reckitt, and Starbucks, where he drove strategic transformation, digital innovation, and strong business performance across each organization.
A respected thought leader, Laxman writes and speaks on the leadership of global companies, evolving consumer trends across the full spectrum from seed to shelf to fork to care, and the transformative power of technology in business. He is an active investor, mentor, and counselor to leaders navigating complex and rapidly changing environments.
Laxman serves on the Board of Directors of Verizon, is a trustee of the Brookings Institution, and is a board member of Just Capital and Western Governors University. He is also a member of the Council on Foreign Relations and previously served on the UK Prime Minister's Build Back Better Council.
He holds a degree in Mechanical Engineering from the College of Engineering, University of Pune, India; 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 of the University of Pennsylvania.
