Confusion, Rumors, and a Swift Denial
A wave of speculation hit the food-tech world this week when reports began swirling that Rakesh Ranjan, CEO of Eternal’s food delivery business (formerly Zomato), had stepped down. The buzz grew louder after a prominent news outlet claimed that company founder Deepinder Goyal had temporarily taken over Ranjan’s responsibilities.
But now, Eternal has set the record straight—and they’re not holding back.
In an official filing with the stock exchange, the company denied the rumors outright, stating that Ranjan has not resigned and remains an active part of the leadership team.
The Rumor Mill: What Sparked the Speculation?
It all started with a media report suggesting that Rakesh Ranjan had quietly exited his role as CEO of the food delivery vertical at Eternal. According to the piece, the company was supposedly already hunting for replacements—both internally and externally. The report even said that Deepinder Goyal, the group CEO, had stepped in to temporarily manage the day-to-day operations of the food delivery arm.
For a company as high-profile as Eternal (formerly Zomato), the news spread fast, causing a stir among investors, industry watchers, and employees alike.
Eternal’s Official Response: “He’s Still Very Much With Us”
Just hours after the report made headlines, Eternal came forward with a firm denial. In a public statement filed with the stock exchange, the company said:
“We would like to clarify that as of today, there has been no resignation tendered by Rakesh Ranjan. He still continues to be part of the leadership team.”
Short, sharp, and clear: Ranjan is still in the game.
This kind of swift clarification shows Eternal’s intent to manage the narrative before misinformation causes internal disruption or market unease.
Who Is Rakesh Ranjan—and Why the Buzz Matters
Rakesh Ranjan isn’t just any executive—he’s been a core player in Eternal’s (Zomato’s) food delivery success story. As CEO of the vertical, he’s been leading strategy, scaling operations, and optimizing logistics in one of the most competitive segments in Indian tech.
So when rumors of his resignation started flying, the industry paid attention. The idea of a leadership reshuffle at this level sent signals that there might be deeper structural or strategic changes underway at Eternal.
That’s what made the company’s strong rebuttal all the more important—it wasn’t just about setting the record straight, it was about protecting perception.
Is There More to the Story?
While the company has officially denied Ranjan’s resignation, the fact that such a specific report was published—complete with succession planning details—has raised a few eyebrows. Was it a misunderstanding? Was someone jumping the gun? Or is there internal restructuring happening quietly behind the scenes?
Eternal hasn’t commented beyond the formal statement, so for now, it’s a waiting game. But what’s clear is this: Rakesh Ranjan isn’t out—not yet, and not officially.
Deepinder Goyal’s Role in the Middle of the Storm
The reports also suggested that Deepinder Goyal had temporarily taken the reins of the food delivery business himself. While Eternal hasn’t confirmed or denied this detail, it wouldn’t be surprising. As a hands-on founder, Goyal has often stepped in during pivotal transitions.
Still, with Ranjan said to be staying on, there may be no need for such a takeover—at least for now.
What’s Next for Eternal?
Whether or not any leadership shakeup is coming, Eternal’s food delivery business remains under the spotlight. With increasing competition from Swiggy, quick-commerce players, and even hyperlocal brands, the company can’t afford instability at the top.
So far, Eternal seems to be focused on keeping its house in order, silencing unnecessary noise, and continuing with business as usual.
Final Thoughts: Smoke Without Fire?
In the high-stakes world of food tech, even a hint of leadership change can send shockwaves. That’s why Eternal’s fast, no-nonsense clarification matters.
The big takeaway? Rakesh Ranjan hasn’t resigned. And unless something changes, he’s staying right where he is—at the helm of Eternal’s food delivery engine.
Still, with rumors swirling and eyes on the company, Eternal will need to double down on transparency and consistency in the days ahead.
Because when it comes to leadership—and headlines—every move matters.
