Tag Archives: Managing Director India

Industry Shake-Up: Amar Sinha Exits Radico Khaitan to Join ABD as New Managing Director

Leave a reply

In one of the most talked-about leadership changes in India’s spirits sector this year, Amar Sinha, Chief Operating Officer of Radico Khaitan Limited has moved after nearly a decade at the helm of operations and joined Allied Blenders & Distillers (ABD) as their new Managing Director in a senior leadership role. Our sources confirmed the move and this also marks a significant talent shift at a time of heightened competition and strategic repositioning across the Indian alcoholic beverages market. 

Sinha’s departureconcludes a tenure during which Radico navigated a major premiumisation drive, expanding its branded portfolio and market footprint. Radico’s market capitalisation in the past decade has increased from around ₹1,600 crore at the start of his tenure to nearly ₹40,000 crore, as it sharpened focus on high-growth segments of whisky, vodka, rum and brandy. Sinha states that his decision was ‘purely personal’. 

Sinha’s move to ABD also signals the growing ambition of the Mumbai-headquartered listed spirits company – best known for its flagship Officer’s Choice whisky and growing global distribution network. This naturally is a strategic move with ABD actively seeking experienced leadership to bolster its premium portfolio and market execution at a time when competitive intensity in both domestic and international segments is rising. 

Radico Khaitan, one of India’s oldest and largest manufacturers of Indian Made Foreign Liquor (IMFL) has also made its own changes at the top. They’ve promoted Kunal Madan as the CMO and Sudhir Upadhay as the Chief Sales Office. The company also recently launched Rampur Virasat Whisky and today boasts a diversified portfolio that includes brands such as 8 PM Whisky, Magic Moments Vodka, Morpheus Brandy and Rampur Indian Single Malt. 

The transition underscores the dynamic talent flows in India’s alco-bev sector amid ongoing premiumisation, brand innovation and consolidation. For Radico, the challenge will be to sustain momentum with newly elevated internal leaders; for ABD, Sinha’s appointment brings fresh operational heft as it seeks to scale further.

Kartik Mohindra takes over as Managing Director, India of William Grant & Sons

Leave a reply
  • Debasree Dasgupta to take charge as CMO & Head of Global Business Development of Pernod Ricard India on November 1

Kartik Mohindra took charge as Managing Director of WG&S, India on October 1. He was formerly the Chief Marketing Officer & Head of Global Business Development at Pernod Ricard India. Sachin Mehta, the current MD, will be taking up an international role within the WG&S business, as Managing Director, Canada.

Kartik Mohindra’s position in Pernod Ricard India is being taken by Debasree Dasgupta, effective November 1.  Currently Global Vice President for Absolut, Dasgupta took on the position in 2023 and has since overseen the brand’s international strategy. Her career spans senior marketing roles at PepsiCo, Reckitt, and Unilever, giving her a diverse portfolio across categories and geographies.

Premium spirits company William Grant & Sons is signalling a focused push to strengthen its presence in one of the world’s most promising alcoholic beverage markets. Kartik joined the business with over 26 years of experience as a senior leader in marketing and sales, primarily in the alcohol, beverage and FMCG sectors.

In his former role, he played a role in transforming business performance at Pernod Ricard, leading brand strategy and expanding into new global markets. He has also overseen brand-led innovation across various categories, from whiskies and wines to brand extensions.

“These appointments reflect WG&S’ continued investment in key growth markets and a commitment to strengthening our global leadership team. We are excited to welcome Kartik to our team in India – a strategically important market for us. Driven by his expertise, we’re confident that we will further build on the great progress Sachin and the team have made in India in recent years,” said Doug Bagley, Chief Commercial Officer, WG&S.

The company’s portfolio includes brands of Scotch whisky, like Grant’s Blended Scotch, Glenfiddich, The Balvenie range of handcrafted single malts and other spirits brands such as Monkey Shoulder, Hendrick’s Gin and Tullamore DEW Irish Whiskey. William Grant & Sons operates in India through its 100% subsidiary William Grant & Sons (India).