Honasa Consumer Limited, the parent company of D2C giant Mamaearth, has announced the resignation of Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) Anuja Mishra, effective June 30, 2025. Mishra, who spearheaded marketing strategies for Mamaearth, BBlunt, and The Derma Co., cited personal reasons for her departure. CEO Varun Alagh will assume interim charge of the CMO role, raising questions about the future direction of Honasa’s brand-building efforts.

Anuja Mishra joined Honasa Consumer in March 2022, bringing over two decades of FMCG experience from stints at Godrej Consumer Products, PepsiCo, and Nestlé. During her tenure, she played a pivotal role in scaling Mamaearth’s visibility as a toxin-free personal care brand and expanding its portfolio to cater to millennials and Gen Z.

In a regulatory filing, Mishra stated, “Owing to certain personal reasons, I would like to submit my resignation… effective closure of business hours on 30th June 2025.” While the company has not disclosed specifics, industry insiders speculate her exit aligns with recent ESOP grants and shifting priorities in Honasa’s growth strategy.

Mishra’s marketing acumen helped Honasa Consumer navigate competitive markets:
Mamaearth: Transformed into a household name with campaigns emphasizing natural ingredients and sustainability.

• The Derma Co.: Positioned as a science-backed skincare brand targeting dermatology-conscious consumers.
• BBlunt: Revitalized the salon chain’s digital presence through influencer collaborations and experiential marketing.
• Prior to Honasa, Mishra led Godrej’s personal care division and spent a decade at PepsiCo, where she managed iconic brands like 7Up and Lay’s. Her departure leaves big shoes to fill, particularly in Honasa’s ambition to dominate India’s $50 billion beauty and wellness market.

The resignation follows Honasa’s recent grant of 24.61 lakh employee stock options (ESOPs) worth approximately ₹57 crore (based on NSE’s opening price of ₹232 per share). These options, part of the 2018 ESOP plan, highlight the company’s focus on retaining talent amid rapid expansion.

Financially, Honasa reported:

• Q3 FY25 Revenue: ₹517.5 crore, a 5.9% YoY increase from ₹488.2 crore.
• Net Profit: Flat at ₹26 crore, recovering from a ₹24.3 crore loss in Q2 FY25.
• While Mamaearth remains a market leader, competition from startups like Minimalist and Sugar Cosmetics has intensified, putting pressure on Honasa to innovate.

With Mishra’s exit, CEO Varun Alagh will temporarily oversee marketing operations. Alagh, who co-founded Mamaearth with his wife Ghazal Alagh in 2016, is no stranger to hands-on leadership. However, analysts question whether this dual role could strain resources as Honasa prepares for global expansion and new product launches.

The company faces critical challenges:

• Finding a Successor: Balancing Mishra’s legacy with fresh strategies for digital-first audiences.
• Sustaining Growth: Maintaining Mamaearth’s 30% YoY growth amid rising customer acquisition costs.
• Diversification: Expanding into international markets and premium segments like clean makeup.
• Industry experts suggest Honasa may look for a CMO with global D2C experience or promote internally to ensure continuity.

Key Highlights:

• Anuja Mishra resigns as CMO of Honasa Consumer (Mamaearth’s parent) effective June 30, 2025, citing personal reasons.
• CEO Varun Alagh to serve as interim CMO amid speculation about strategic shifts.
• Mishra’s tenure saw Mamaearth’s rise as a toxin-free personal care leader.
• Honasa recently granted ESOPs worth ₹57 crore and reported ₹517.5 crore revenue in Q3 FY25.