![PepsiCo Appoints Jagrut Kotecha as CEO for India in Strategic Leadership Transition](https://digitalscoopindia.in/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/fa685ff4-30d5-4077-86ab-acb961a458cb.jpg)
In a strategic move reflecting its commitment to a dynamic global approach, PepsiCo India has announced a significant leadership transition. Jagrut Kotecha, currently serving as the Chief Commercial Officer of PepsiCo Africa, Middle-East, and South Africa (AMESA), will take on the role of CEO for PepsiCo India. This change comes as part of the company’s leadership reshuffling across AMESA, following Ahmed El Sheikh’s shift to take on responsibilities for the Middle East branch after his successful seven-year tenure with the India team.
The decision was communicated to PepsiCo India employees as part of a broader series of leadership changes within AMESA. The company emphasized that India remains a crucial market for PepsiCo, playing an integral role in the company’s global strategy. Eugene Willemsen, CEO of Africa, Middle-East, and South Asia, expressed confidence in the leadership transition, stating, “India remains a pivotal market for PepsiCo, playing a crucial role in our global strategy. Over the last six years, Ahmed has been instrumental in transforming our business, driving innovation and steering the team through challenging landscapes.”
Jagrut Kotecha, with his extensive experience as a sales and brand manager, joined PepsiCo in 1994. Notably, in 2018, he served as the Vice President of PepsiCo India, overseeing the transformation and innovation of key products like Lay’s and Kurkure, tailoring them to better suit Indian consumers. Kotecha was also at the forefront of launching another popular snack, Doritos, in 2017.
Expressing excitement about the appointment, Willemsen added, “I am equally excited to welcome Jagrut to the India executive team and am certain that we will scale new zeniths of success under his leadership with our Indian consumers.”
In recent years, PepsiCo India has witnessed a surge in demand for snacks and chips, particularly amid the ongoing pandemic. Responding to this growing demand in the fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) sector, the company has launched several new products. It has further lined up additional launches to cater to the evolving preferences of Indian consumers.
Simultaneously, PepsiCo, headquartered in the United States, has announced plans to expand its Global Business Services Centre in Hyderabad. The expansion aims to increase the center’s strength from the current 250 employees to a robust workforce of 4,000, showcasing the company’s commitment to furthering its presence and operations in India.
Sources By Agencies