Pepsico’s Indian-origin CEO Indra Nooyi, who has stepped down after 12 years at the helm of the global beverage giant, said on Tuesday that a “lot of fuel” was still left in her “tank” and she looks forward to doing something different with her life and spend more time with her family.
Chennai-born Ms. Nooyi not only broke the glass ceiling in corporate America when she was named CEO of the global beverage giant in 2006 but, through her journey, inspired millions of young Indians who wanted to emulate her success.
In her concluding remarks during the firm’s third quarter earnings conference call, Ms. Nooyi said, “You know 12 years is a long time as a CEO, and even though I have a lot of fuel still left in my tank. I wanted to do something different with my life. Spend more time with my family and give the next generation in PepsiCo a chance to lead this great company.”
Ms. Nooyi stepped down after 24 years with the company, the last 12 as CEO. She will remain Chairman until early 2019 to ensure a smooth and seamless transition.
In a parting letter she wrote before stepping down as CEO, Ms. Nooyi shared some reflections on what she has learnt during her tenure and the lessons that have guided her throughout my career.
Family matters
“Think hard about time,” she said. “We have so little of it on this earth. Make the most of your days, and make space for the loved ones who matter most. Take it from me. I’ve been blessed with an amazing career, but if I’m being honest, there have been moments I wish I’d spent more time with my children and family. So, I encourage you: be mindful of your choices on the road ahead, she said.