--- title: "Aurelia Menezes Highlights Strong Governance Signals in Founder’s Decision to Return Unvested ESOPs" date: 2026-01-22 author: "King Stubb & Kasiva" url: https://ksandk.com/news/deepinder-goyal-to-return-unvested-esops/ --- # Aurelia Menezes Highlights Strong Governance Signals in Founder’s Decision to Return Unvested ESOPs Posted On - 22 January, 2026 • By - King Stubb & Kasiva ![Deepinder Goyal to return unvested ESOPs](https://ksandk.com/wp-content/uploads/Website-PR-update-1-14.png) Commenting on Eternal founder Deepinder Goyal’s decision to return unvested ESOPs to the company’s pool as he steps down as CEO, Aurelia Menezes described the move as a powerful example of founder-led governance and long-term stakeholder alignment. ![Website PR update 1 14](https://ksandk.com/wp-content/uploads/Website-PR-update-1-14.png) According to Aurelia, the decision reinforces the principle that equity-based rewards must be linked to sustained value creation rather than tenure or position. By allowing unvested ESOPs to revert to the company, the founder not only upholds merit-based ownership but also expands the ESOP pool for current and future employees, strengthening retention, incentivisation, and performance-driven participation in the company’s growth. She further noted that the move carries important governance implications. “From a governance perspective, such a move signals confidence in institutional leadership, reduces perceptions of founder entrenchment, and aligns with best practices seen in mature, professionally managed companies,” she added. Menezes emphasized that such actions set a positive benchmark for India’s startup and technology ecosystem, demonstrating how thoughtful leadership transitions and equitable ESOP structures can enhance transparency, trust, and long-term corporate value. Visit Article: [https://www.businesstoday.in/technology/news/story/eternal-founder-deepinder-goyal-to-return-unvested-esops-as-he-steps-down-as-ceo-512069-2026-01-21](https://www.businesstoday.in/technology/news/story/eternal-founder-deepinder-goyal-to-return-unvested-esops-as-he-steps-down-as-ceo-512069-2026-01-21) --- ## Office Locations - [New Delhi](https://ksandk.com/locations/top-corporate-law-firm-in-delhi/) (HQ): +91-11-41318190 | info@ksandk.com - [Mumbai](https://ksandk.com/locations/top-corporate-law-firm-in-mumbai/): 3 offices (Nariman Point, Lower Parel, Andheri) | mumbai@ksandk.com - [Bangalore](https://ksandk.com/locations/top-corporate-law-firm-in-bangalore/): bangalore@ksandk.com - [Chennai](https://ksandk.com/locations/chennai/): chennai@ksandk.com - [Hyderabad](https://ksandk.com/locations/hyderabad/): hyderabad@ksandk.com - [Pune](https://ksandk.com/locations/pune/): pune@ksandk.com - [Kochi](https://ksandk.com/locations/kochi/): kochi@ksandk.com ## Contact - [Contact Page](https://ksandk.com/contact-us/) - General: info@ksandk.com | +91-11-41318190 - WhatsApp: +91-7428567444 - [Privacy Statement](https://ksandk.com/privacy-statement/) - [Terms of Use](https://ksandk.com/terms-of-use/)