Sanjeev Chadha to head PepsiCo India

NEW DELHI: Soft drink major PepsiCo on Saturday announced a change in top management of its India operations with Sanjeev Chadha designated to take over as General Manager Pepsi-Cola India, while incumbent Rajeev Bakshi will move to head the company's Asia commercial team.

Sanjeev Chadha, commercial Vice-President for PepsiCo Asia and a 16-year-old PepsiCo veteran will succeed Bakshi as General Manager Pepsi-Cola India, the company said in a statement.

The company said, Bakshi slated to remain in his current role till December 31 this year, will lead PepsiCo Asia's Commercial Team.

Bakshi will assume a new broader role spanning PepsiCo's beverages and foods businesses across Asia, it said, adding he will be responsible for several key functions, including business development, innovation and insights and sales capability.

He had headed PepsiCo's India operations for a period five years as its General Manager. Bakshi will relocate to PepsiCo's Hong Kong headquarters, it added.

Commenting on the changes, PepsiCo Asia President Ron McEachern said, in his five year term Bakshi had successfully led the beverages business, building core brands, expanding product portfolio and driving dramatic growth.

Chadha, whose broad breadth of experience includes seven years at Pepsi-Cola India will be responsible for all aspects of PepsiCo's beverage business in India, the company said.