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New Delhi: PepsiCo has appointed the current Chief Commercial Officer of PepsiCo Africa, Middle East and South Africa (AMESA) Jagrut Kotecha as the new CEO for PepsiCo India, succeeding Ahmed El Sheikh in this leadership role.
Jagrut Kotecha is set to assume his position as the head of PepsiCo India in March 2024. The transition follows the relocation of the incumbent CEO, Ahmed El Sheikh, to oversee the company’s Middle East branch after his seven-year tenure with the India team.
The decision is part of a broader series of leadership changes across AMESA, with the company emphasising a commitment to a global strategy. Kotecha is poised to play a pivotal role in leading PepsiCo’s operations in India.
Jagrut Kotecha, who joined PepsiCo in 1994, brings extensive experience as a sales and brand manager with end-to-end profit and loss (P&L) responsibility. As the incoming CEO, Kotecha will be entrusted with steering PepsiCo’s strategic initiatives and business growth in the dynamic market landscape of India.
Current Chief Commercial Officer for PepsiCo in AMESA and incoming CEO for PepsiCo India Jagrut Kotecha said, “Having been part of the PepsiCo family for the past 30 years, I have witnessed first hand the unwavering commitment of PepsiCo India to excellence and innovation.” He added, “As I take on this new responsibility, I am excited to drive forward our mission, ensuring continued success and growth in the Indian market.”
“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”, said Chief Executive Officer – Africa, Middle East & South Asia, PepsiCo Eugene Willemsen.
He added, “I am equally excited to welcome Jagrut to the India executive team and am certain that we will continue to scale new zeniths of success under his leadership with our Indian consumers.” PepsiCo India has been proactive in responding to the increased demand for snacks and chips during the pandemic, launching several products in recent years.
