Diageo India appoints Praveen Someshwar as CEO-Designate

United Spirits Limited (Diageo India) has announced the appointment of Praveen Someshwar as CEO-Designate. Hina Nagarajan, the current managing director and CEO of Diageo India, will transition to another role on Diageo’s Global Executive Committee after four years.

Someshwar will join the company on 1 March 2025 as CEO-Designate. In accordance with applicable laws and upon receiving the necessary approvals, he will assume the role of Diageo India’s MD and CEO, effective 1 April 2025, and will also join the Diageo Executive Committee.

For the past five years, Someshwar has served as MD and CEO of the media group HT Media, where he oversaw various digital, print, and radio outlets, including Hindustan Times, Mint, and several radio platforms. Before joining HT Media, he had a 24-year career at PepsiCo, holding diverse roles in general management, finance, and strategy across India and the Asia Pacific region.

Commenting on the leadership changes, Diageo’s chief executive Debra Crew said, “Under Hina’s leadership, Diageo India has combined strong top-line growth and margin expansion with impactful strategic initiatives, reshaping and premiumising our portfolio and positioning Diageo India as an innovative leader in the alcobev industry. As she transitions to a new role within Diageo, she leaves behind a significant track record of success and a highly engaged, talented, and diverse team.”

Mahendra Kumar Sharma, Chairman of the USL Board, added, “Together with the team in India, Hina has led a bold ambition for growth that has driven market share gains across multiple categories. She leaves the business with a clear strategy and strong growth momentum. The Board and I also wish to welcome Praveen, and we look forward to working with him, offering our full support as he transitions into this important leadership position.”

Nagarajan remarked, “It has been a true privilege to lead Diageo India during a period of strong strategic progress and sustained, profitable double-digit growth for the business, with a market capitalisation growing to more than INR 1 trillion (approximately $12.5 billion).”

USL’s consolidated net sales value (NSV) for Q4 FY24 stood at INR 2,783 crore, reflecting an 11.2% increase over the same period in the previous fiscal year. Its NSV for FY24 grew by 14.2% year-on-year, reaching INR 11,321 crore. While the company delivered double-digit growth during the 2023-24 fiscal year, it faced a challenging external environment marked by sequentially moderating demand due to sustained consumer inflation and post-pandemic consumption normalisation, as outlined in its annual report.

In response, the company focused on premiumising its brand offerings and revamped its flagship McDowell’s brand to target consumers across various sub-segments and formats. It also resumed operations in Andhra Pradesh in September, after a nearly five-year hiatus, enhancing consumer engagement and activation plans to rebuild its brand equity in the state.

In October, Johnnie Walker launched a campaign featuring actor Priyanka Chopra Jonas to celebrate 25 years of the brand's Keep Walking philosophy. Titled Can’t Stand Still, the campaign highlighted the pursuit of new experiences and milestones, aligning with evolving luxury preferences among India’s youth.

This shift reflects younger consumers’ redefinition of luxury, moving beyond exclusivity to emphasise individuality, self-expression, and distinctive experiences. The campaign mirrors these changing preferences, with the brand positioning itself to engage with the emerging mindset of contemporary luxury, especially as a growing segment of consumers seeks non-alcoholic beverages.

Crew further commented on Someshwar’s appointment, noting his “track record of leading consumer businesses and passion for both strategy and executional excellence,” qualities that will support the company as it enters the next phase of Diageo India’s growth journey.