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Tag: CMO

  • PepsiCo India appoints Saakshi Verma Menon as chief marketing officer for foods

    PepsiCo India appoints Saakshi Verma Menon as chief marketing officer for foods

    Mumbai: PepsiCo India has named Saakshi Verma Menon as its new chief marketing officer (CMO) for the foods division, as outgoing CMO Anshul Khanna moves into a new role within the company. The announcement comes amid heightened competition and renewed strategic focus on the Indian packaged foods segment.

    Menon, a key member of PepsiCo’s India leadership team, will lead the marketing strategy for the company’s foods portfolio, which includes household brands such as Lay’s, Kurkure, Uncle Chipps, Quaker, Cheetos, and Doritos.

    “Super pumped to work on some of the most iconic and beloved brands from the house of PepsiCo,” Menon wrote in a LinkedIn post. “These brands have been part of everyday moments for millions, and I’m excited to shape the next chapter of their journey.”

    Menon steps into the new role after leading regional brand initiatives for PepsiCo’s AMESA (Africa, Middle East and South Asia) business, where she managed cross-market campaigns for core beverages including Pepsi, 7Up, and Mountain Dew. With over 20 years of marketing experience, she has also held senior roles at Colgate-Palmolive, Uber, and Kimberly-Clark, bringing a blend of global insight and local consumer acumen.

    PepsiCo India reported revenues of Rs 8,877 crore and profit after tax of Rs 883.4 crore for the financial year ended 31 December 2024. The company’s snacks segment contributed over Rs 6,800 crore, underscoring the strength of its packaged foods portfolio.

    India’s packaged foods market is currently valued at Rs 3.6 trillion, while the carbonated beverages segment stood at $18.25 billion in 2022, according to ICRIER. PepsiCo faces strong competition from both multinational and domestic players, including Coca-Cola, ITC, Bikaji, and Haldiram’s, with bottling operations managed by its partner, Varun Beverages.

    To bolster local manufacturing and supply chain capabilities, PepsiCo India last year announced a Rs 1,266 crore investment to set up a flavour manufacturing facility in Ujjain, MadhyaPradesh, expected to be operational in Q1 2026. A second facility is also being developed in Tamil Nadu, reaffirming the company’s long-term commitment to the Indian market.

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  • Top marketer Somasree Bose Awasthi steps down from Marico amid shifting FMCG landscape

    Top marketer Somasree Bose Awasthi steps down from Marico amid shifting FMCG landscape

    MUMBAI: Somasree Bose Awasthi has stepped down as chief marketing officer at Marico Ltd, ending a nearly three-year stint at the helm of the company’s marketing function. The news was confirmed today by individuals familiar with the development.

    Somasree joined Marico in late 2022 after a distinguished 15-year career at Godrej Consumer Products, where she rose through the ranks and contributed significantly to brands such as Godrej Aer, HIT, Cinthol and Godrej No.1. At Marico, she focused on strengthening marketing capabilities, mentoring teams, and championing innovation across a wide portfolio.

    During her tenure, she was credited with bringing sharper consumer insight to the table and driving impactful brand work that resonated in an increasingly competitive FMCG landscape. Her approach combined strategic vision with deep empathy for the consumer—qualities that earned her recognition across the industry.

    Her departure comes at a time when Marico, like much of the sector, is navigating a complex retail environment shaped by evolving customer preferences and the convergence of digital and offline channels. The next marketing leader will inherit a strong brand foundation—and the challenge of building on it in a dynamic market.

    Somasree’s next move has not yet been announced, but industry observers and executive search firms will be watching closely.

  • Aurionpro taps Sachin Salian as global CMO to fuel data-led marketing expansion

    Aurionpro taps Sachin Salian as global CMO to fuel data-led marketing expansion

    MUMBAI: In a fresh power play for its global marketing ambitions, Aurionpro Solutions has named Sachin Salian as its new chief marketing officer (CMO). The appointment signals the tech solutions major’s intent to double down on data-driven narratives and sharpen its brand playbook across core sectors including banking, payments, mobility, and government tech.

    With over two decades of experience spanning B2B and B2C marketing, Salian steps into a role designed to shape Aurionpro’s global brand strategy, digital transformation agendas, and go-to-market execution across international markets.

    “Aurionpro is uniquely positioned at the intersection of innovation and growth, and I look forward to contributing to its next phase of success”, said Salian. “As CMO, I’m excited to shape a brand narrative that reflects our bold ambitions through a marketing approach rooted in data, customer insight, and in creating long-term value for all our stakeholders”.

    Before joining Aurionpro, Salian held senior positions at marquee technology firms, driving brand expansion, digital engagement, and customer growth across fast-evolving market landscapes. His portfolio includes a consistent focus on scaling customer-centric digital strategies in enterprise-first environments.

    Salian will now work closely with Aurionpro’s leadership to lead global corporate and product-level marketing programmes aimed at amplifying visibility, strengthening stakeholder trust, and increasing competitive agility.

    The IIM Lucknow alumnus holds a PGDM with specialisation in Marketing and Strategy and brings with him certifications in advanced digital marketing. He’s also a known figure across industry forums, often advocating for forward-looking marketing practices.

    Aurionpro’s appointment of Salian comes at a time when the tech sector is fiercely evolving and demands strategic, insight-led marketing at every stage of growth. With this move, the company aims to not just stay relevant, but raise the bar.

  • Bureau appoints Vanita Pandey as CMO to steer global marketing and GTM strategy

    Bureau appoints Vanita Pandey as CMO to steer global marketing and GTM strategy

    MUMBAI: Identity and risk decisioning platform Bureau has appointed Vanita Pandey as its chief marketing officer to lead its global go-to-market strategy amid a phase of rapid international expansion. With more than 15 years of experience in identity, fraud prevention, and fintech marketing, Vanita joins Bureau at a pivotal time as it sharpens its global positioning post-Series B.

    Pandey steps into the role with a brief to drive high-performance GTM campaigns, build a globally consistent brand narrative, and launch product-led growth strategies across the Americas, middle east, and southeast Asia. She will work closely with Bureau’s product and sales teams to expand reach across fintech, banking, and digital-native verticals.

    “In a market where trust drives growth, clarity and narrative are strategic advantages”, said Bureau founder & CEO Ranjan R Reddy. “Vanita knows how to turn complex risk and identity challenges into stories that win customers and shape industries. Her proven ability to build demand engines will be instrumental in realising Bureau’s global vision”.

    Pandey most recently served as CMO at CAF, a digital identity company in LATAM. Her earlier stints include senior roles at Visa, Capital One, Simility (acquired by Paypal), ThreatMetrix (acquired by LexisNexis), and Arkose Labs. She is known for leading product marketing in highly regulated, growth-focused environments and scaling GTM initiatives across global markets.

    Speaking on her new role, Pandey said, “What excites me is Bureau’s mission-critical approach to scale—driven by the aim to future-proof the digital economy. I look forward to scaling a global brand that doesn’t just react to market shifts but operates ahead of them”.

    Her appointment follows Bureau’s Series B funding round led by Sorenson Capital and Paypal Ventures, and the onboarding of chief analytics & risk officer Venkat Srinivasan—both indicators of the company’s broader push to build global leadership in digital trust infrastructure.

  • Amit Doshi to join PhonePe as CMO

    Amit Doshi to join PhonePe as CMO

    MUMBAI: He’s put himself in for challenging yet exciting role. Former Britannia Industries CMO Amit Doshi is set to join PhonePe as Chief Marketing Officer. His getting connected to PhonePe comes at a time when the fintech has drawn a line to go for public offering.

    Over the years , Amit has worked with brands such as Lenovo , Perfetti Van Melle  where he left an indelible mark by expanding the reach and sales of the brands under his remit.

    At Britannia he had oversight over  the biscuits, crème wafers, and salty snacks categories.   His appointment at PhonePe will see him drive the  company’s expansion strategy, positioning him to lead impactful marketing and brand-building efforts.

  • Pooja Sahgal appointed global CMO at International Gemological Institute

    Pooja Sahgal appointed global CMO at International Gemological Institute

    MUMBAI: Pooja Sahgal has been appointed global chief marketing officer at the International Gemological Institute (IGI).

    Sahgal joins from Godrej Consumer Products, where she served as vice president and head of category direction since August 2023. She previously held CMO positions at Raymond Consumer Care (2021-2023) and Kaya Limited (2019-2021).

    Her career includes senior roles at L’Oréal as general manager for Maybelline New York India, and nearly seven years at Kellogg across UK and Indian operations. Earlier positions include stints at Marico, Unilever, JWT and Lowe and Partners.

    Sahgal holds an MBA in Marketing from Sydenham Institute and a Bachelor of Commerce from H.R. College.
    Known for her expertise in brand development, digital marketing and ecommerce, colleagues highlight her collaborative leadership style and cross-functional capabilities in the consumer products sector.

  • Akasa Air’s Belson Coutinho expresses gratitude for support

    Akasa Air’s Belson Coutinho expresses gratitude for support

    MUMBAI: Belson Coutinho, the newly-elevated (earlier this month) co-founder & chief operating officer (COO) at Akasa Air, has expressed his heartfelt gratitude for the overwhelming support and wishes he has received on his new role. In a statement, Coutinho said he was “deeply touched” by the kindness and generosity of everyone who has reached out to him.

    Coutinho, who brings over 24 years of experience in the aviation industry, is an award-winning and entrepreneurial-minded senior management professional with expertise in marketing, eCommerce, and digital transformation. He has a proven track record of setting up and growing business units across various functions, including marketing, digital, social media, eCommerce, and customer service.

    As COO at Akasa Air, Coutinho is expected to leverage his exceptional leadership skills and innovative approach to drive growth and success for the airline. Prior to his advancement as COO, Coutinho was co-founder & chief marketing & experience officer.

    He has previously held senior roles at renowned companies such as Jet Airways and VFS Global, where he pioneered various industry-first initiatives in eCommerce, social media, digital, loyalty, and consumer experience.

    Coutinho’s appointment as COO at Akasa Air marks a new chapter in his career, and he is “incredibly grateful” for the opportunity to be part of the team and contribute to the airline’s success. He thanked everyone for their unwavering support, saying it means more than he can express.

    With his extensive experience and expertise, Coutinho is poised to make a significant impact at Akasa Air. His ability to see the “bigger picture” and his strong operational, strategic, and leadership skills make him an ideal fit for the role. As a team player with excellent communication skills, Coutinho is well-equipped to work under pressure in a fast-paced environment and drive collaboration with partners, consumers, and colleagues alike.

    As Akasa Air continues to grow and expand its operations, Coutinho’s appointment as COO is seen as a significant boost to the airline’s leadership team. With his innovative approach and exceptional leadership skills, he is expected to play a key role in shaping the airline’s future and driving its success.

  • Former Nestlé leader Gaurav Kwatra joins iD Fresh Food as CMO

    Former Nestlé leader Gaurav Kwatra joins iD Fresh Food as CMO

    MUMBAI: After a remarkable 12-year journey of crafting impactful campaigns and shaping industry narratives, marketing veteran Gaurav Kwatra has stepped into a new leadership chapter. Kwatra has been appointed chief marketing officer (CMO) at iD Fresh Food, a leader in fresh and natural food products. Tasked with elevating the brand’s market presence, Kwatra will drive strategic marketing initiatives, fuel customer engagement, and spearhead the company’s ambitious market expansion plans.

    Bringing over two decades of leadership experience in FMCG, Kwatra has a proven track record in brand strategy, product innovation, and market growth. Prior to joining iD Fresh, he held senior positions at Nestlé India, including business head and marketing manager – beverages, where he played a pivotal role in launching key products, accelerating innovation, and driving sustained business growth.

    Kwatra began his career at Britannia Industries as an area sales manager and quickly climbed the ranks to become group product manager. During this period, he honed skills in market segmentation, product marketing, team leadership, and strategic brand development, laying the foundation for his success in the FMCG sector.

    At iD Fresh, Kwatra’s focus will be on leveraging data-driven strategies, strengthening iD’s position in existing markets, and driving customer-centric innovations to accelerate the company’s expansion. His appointment reflects iD Fresh’s commitment to scaling operations while continuing to deliver fresh, high-quality, and preservative-free food solutions to households globally.

  •  Top notch marketer Lara Balazs joins Adobe as CMO & EVP

     Top notch marketer Lara Balazs joins Adobe as CMO & EVP

    MUMBAI: She’s found her corporate abode in Adobe. The cutting edge software firm today announced that former Intuit chief marketing officer (CMO) & general manager, strategic partner group, Lara Balazs  has joined it as CMO & executive vice president. She will be having a direct reporting line to Adobe chair & CEO Shantanu Narayen.

    At Intuit, Lara was really into it, re-imagining the company’s brand and go-to-market activities to support its AI-driven financial technology platform and elevated its brand awareness and reputation to new heights.

    Balazs will lead the global marketing organisation responsible for Adobe’s renowned brand, Adobe.com, the company’s industry-leading events, campaigns, communications, social media and its best-in-class media operations and marketing insights.

    “As Adobe continues to deliver industry-leading product innovations across content creation and digital marketing, Lara’s unique experience across B2C and B2B industries and deep insights as an Adobe customer will help us engage our growing universe of users more effectively while expanding Adobe’s brand reach and impact,” voiced Narayen, 

    Balazs’ marketing career spans key leadership roles at some of the world’s most respected brands such as Amazon, Visa and Nike, delivering innovative customer-centric marketing strategies that propel transformational growth. Among her notable achievements are driving the growth of Amazon Prime and Visa globally and leading Visa into the era of digital payments, with the launch of mobile-first products such as Visa Checkout and Apple Pay. At Intuit, she led the protax group to its highest, most sustained growth in years and drove the company’s highest brand awareness and corporate reputation in its four decades.

    Named to Forbes’ list of the world’s most influential CMOs and a recipient of AdWeek’s CMO Vanguard award, Balazs is passionate about advancing the marketing profession and supporting the social impact of the industry.

    Balazs holds a bachelor of arts degree in pre-law from the university of Washington and a master of business administration from the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University.

  • Somasree Bose Awasthi joins as CMO of Marico

    Somasree Bose Awasthi joins as CMO of Marico

    Mumbai: Marico, the Indian multinational consumer goods company, has roped in Somasree Bose Awasthi as chief marketing officer and will be an executive committee member at the firm.

    Awathi’s appointment was made public through a LinkedIn post that the company put up, congratulating her on her new role.

    Prior to this, Awasthi was chief marketing officer at Godrej Consumer Products; she joined the company in 2007.

    She has a total of about two decades of experience in the consumer products and FMCG industries.