Samsung India public policy and ESG chief Rajiv Aggarwal resigns

Rajiv Aggarwal, Samsung India’s public affairs and ESG head, has resigned after nearly four years, according to sources. His exit comes as the company navigates policy matters including state-app preinstallation proposals and higher e-waste recycling costs.

— Source publishedTue, 15 Sept, 2026, 11:57 IST·First seen Tue, 15 Sept, 2026, 12:01 IST·Source ET Small Business

What happened

Samsung India public affairs and ESG head Rajiv Aggarwal has resigned after nearly four years. The departure comes as Samsung faces Indian policy issues

Key facts

  • Rajiv Aggarwal, 57, resigned after nearly four years
  • Samsung holds 16.2% of India's smartphone market
  • Samsung was India's No. 1 smartphone player in 2023

Why this matters

For partners and potential targets in India’s device ecosystem, Samsung’s policy leadership transition may create an opening to position compliance, recycling, and regulatory-relations capabilities.

What to watch

  • Announcement of a permanent successor or redistribution of Aggarwal's portfolio.
  • New central or state directives on mandatory government-app preinstallation, device security, or consumer-data access.
  • Changes to e-waste EPR targets, certificate prices, enforcement actions, or approved recycler availability.
  • Samsung India joining or leading industry submissions challenging handset-policy proposals.
  • Evidence of handset price changes, expanded take-back programs, or new recycling partnerships.
  • Appoint an interim public-policy and ESG lead, likely drawing on India legal, corporate affairs, or Asia regional leadership.
  • Increase participation through industry associations on smartphone software, data, import, and e-waste policy.
  • Review producer-responsibility compliance, recycler capacity, and potential recovery of higher recycling costs through supplier terms or pricing.
  • Prioritize government outreach around any state-backed app preinstallation mandate and seek scope, exemptions, or implementation flexibility.
  • Recruit a successor with central-government relationships and ESG/compliance operating experience.

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