PepsiCo India has announced Jagrut Kotecha as its new India chief, appointing him to lead the company’s snack business. Kotecha, currently serving as the senior vice president and chief commercial officer for PepsiCo’s AMESA (Asia, Middle East, and Africa) region, brings extensive experience in the snack industry. The leadership change comes as Ahmed El Sheikh, the current CEO for PepsiCo India, is set to transition to the role of CEO for the Middle East Business Unit in March 2024.
Kotecha’s appointment is seen as a strategic move to boost PepsiCo India’s snack business, particularly brands like Lays and Doritos. The company’s snack business has faced challenges, with a decline in market share and volumes, prompting the need for a leader with a strong background in the food industry. Eugene Willemsen, Chief Executive Officer, Africa and South Asia, PepsiCo, announced the leadership changes during his visit to India.
With a career that includes a stint at Cadbury India as sales head from 1992–1994, Kotecha’s return to PepsiCo as the new India chief signifies a strategic move for the company to address current challenges and position itself for future success in the snacks market.
Executives familiar with the decision highlighted Kotecha’s preference over other contenders due to his significant experience in snacking. The focus on strengthening the snacking business aligns with PepsiCo’s strategic goals, especially in the face of intense competition in the market.
In the quarter ending September 2023, PepsiCo reported a decline in its snack business, including popular products like Lays and Doritos tortilla chips, experiencing a mid-single-digit contraction. Kotecha, who previously held the position of vice president in the snack’s category for the India region between 2016 and 2019, is expected to leverage his expertise to drive growth in this critical segment.