In a heartfelt and unusually candid move, Zomato founder Deepinder Goyal has publicly invited former employees to return to the company, emphasising that past departures do not mean closed doors. The outreach, shared through a post on social media platform X, reflects a mix of nostalgia, honesty, and ambition as Goyal looks to strengthen the company’s talent pool while ushering in a new phase for Zomato’s parent ecosystem, Eternal.
Credits: NDTV Profit
A Rare Open Call to Former Team Members
Goyal’s message was direct and personal, addressing those who once worked at Zomato but eventually moved on—whether by choice or due to organisational decisions. Acknowledging the emotional connection many former employees may still hold with the company, he noted that Zomato often felt like a unique workplace for those who were part of its journey.
He admitted that the company may not have always offered the right environment or leadership during earlier phases. This admission of past shortcomings stood out, as founders rarely publicly acknowledge internal challenges in such a transparent manner. However, Goyal framed this honesty as a step toward rebuilding trust and strengthening the company’s culture.
Breaking the Myth of Closed Doors
One of the central themes of Goyal’s message was reassurance. He directly addressed concerns among former employees who might assume that returning to the company could be awkward or unwelcome. Goyal dismissed any notion of grudges or lingering resentment, stating clearly that he is not holding on to the past.
By extending a personal invitation and encouraging ex-employees to reach out directly, Goyal highlighted his intent to rebuild professional relationships. He also encouraged those who feel they have “unfinished business” with the company to reconnect, offering them an opportunity to be part of the organisation’s evolving story.
Eternal’s Expanding Business Ecosystem
Goyal’s call comes at a time when Eternal, the umbrella entity overseeing Zomato and its associated ventures, has grown into a diversified ecosystem. The group now includes businesses such as Blinkit, Blinkit Ambulances, District, Hyperpure, Nugget, and Feeding India, each catering to different aspects of commerce, logistics, and social impact.
He emphasised that these expanding verticals require individuals who understand the company’s culture and operational DNA. According to Goyal, former employees who have experienced Zomato’s early journey are uniquely positioned to contribute to shaping Eternal’s future. Their understanding of the company’s values and growth mindset, he suggested, could help maintain consistency while driving innovation.
Leadership Changes and Continuity
Goyal’s outreach also comes against the backdrop of his decision to step down as CEO, transitioning into the role of Vice Chairman. In a letter to shareholders, he explained that the move would allow him to focus on exploring new and higher-risk ideas, potentially opening new growth avenues for the organisation.
Despite stepping back from day-to-day executive responsibilities, Goyal reassured stakeholders and employees that he remains deeply involved in the company’s direction. He dismissed concerns that Eternal’s culture or leadership approach would significantly change because of his new role, reinforcing his continued presence and commitment.
A Talent Strategy Rooted in Culture
Goyal’s invitation is a calculated talent move that goes beyond its sentimental appeal. Maintaining institutional knowledge and cultural congruence is becoming more and more important when Eternal enters new sectors. Rehiring previous staff members could speed up onboarding and improve team cohesion because they already know the company’s internal procedures and culture.
The action also reflects a larger trend among rapidly expanding technology firms, which increasingly see “boomerang employees”—those who return after departing—as valuable contributors who offer both external experience and internal familiarity.
Looking Ahead: A New Phase of Growth
Goyal ended his speech with hope, stating that he would be happy to assist returning staff members in finding positions that complement their present career and personal objectives. He said that while Gurgaon’s pollution may still be a “bug,” being a part of Eternal is the “feature,” demonstrating his trademark mix of humor and candor.
Goyal’s outreach highlights a larger vision—building the company’s future with those who have previously been a part of its past—as Eternal continues to grow its influence across food delivery, rapid commerce, healthcare logistics, and social initiatives.
