PepsiCo India, a stalwart in the Indian food and beverage industry, has announced a significant leadership transition as part of its strategic evolution. Ahmed El Sheikh, who has led PepsiCo India as CEO for almost seven years, will step into a new role as the CEO for the Middle East Business Unit starting March 2024. This transition is part of PepsiCo’s global strategy, emphasising agility and foresight. Jagrut Kotecha, currently serving as the Chief Commercial Officer for PepsiCo in Africa, the Middle East, and South Asia (AMESA), will take over as the new CEO for PepsiCo India.
The leadership shift, communicated to PepsiCo India employees yesterday, is a carefully planned move in alignment with broader changes across AMESA. In 2023, PepsiCo India achieved robust financial results, underscoring its deep understanding of the Indian market, innovative product development, and efficient distribution strategies. The company’s success is attributed to its adaptability to diverse consumer preferences, commitment to sustainable and digitalised business practices, and robust community engagement initiatives.
Eugene Willemsen, Chief Executive Officer – Africa, Middle East & South Asia, PepsiCo, emphasised India’s pivotal role in PepsiCo’s global strategy. He commended Ahmed El Sheikh for his transformative leadership that introduced pioneering products and community-focused initiatives. Willemsen expressed anticipation for continued collaboration with El Sheikh in his new role. He also welcomed Jagrut Kotecha to the India executive team, expressing confidence in achieving new heights of success under his leadership.
Ahmed El Sheikh reflected on his time in India, acknowledging the unique insights and experiences gained. He praised the resilience and creativity of the Indian team and expressed confidence in their continued excellence under Jagrut’s leadership.
Jagrut Kotecha, a veteran with 30 years of experience within the PepsiCo family, recognised PepsiCo India’s unwavering commitment to excellence and innovation. He acknowledged Ahmed El Sheikh’s impactful legacy and expressed excitement about taking on the new responsibility to drive forward the mission of continued success and growth in the Indian market.
PepsiCo India remains steadfast in its dedication to fortifying operations in India, emphasising innovation and customer satisfaction. This leadership transition signifies not just a new chapter for PepsiCo India but also underscores the company’s commitment to nurturing leadership talent and adapting to the dynamic landscape of the Indian market. The move reflects PepsiCo’s continuous pursuit of excellence and innovation as it looks ahead to the future.