PepsiCo India appoints Jagrut Kotecha as CEO, Succeeding Ahmed El Sheikh

PepsiCo India announced that Jagrut Kotecha will assume the role of Chief Executive Officer (CEO), succeeding Ahmed El Sheikh, who has held the position for seven years. Kotecha, currently the Chief Marketing Officer for PepsiCo's Africa, Middle East, and South Asia (AMESA) division, brings a wealth of experience to his new role.

Ahmed El Sheikh, who will transition to become the CEO of PepsiCo’s Middle East business unit, reflected on his tenure in India. "Leading the team in India has been a journey filled with unique insights and vibrant experiences. The resilience and creativity of the Indian team are unparalleled, and I have no doubt that they will continue to excel under Jagrut’s leadership," El Sheikh said.

PepsiCo India emphasized its commitment to innovation and customer satisfaction in a company release, stating, "This change not only signifies a new chapter for PepsiCo India but also reaffirms the company's dedication to nurturing leadership talent and adapting to evolving market dynamics."

The announcement was part of a series of leadership changes across the AMESA region, underscoring PepsiCo's dynamic and forward-thinking global strategy. "Having been part of the PepsiCo family for the past 30 years, I have witnessed firsthand the unwavering commitment of PepsiCo India to excellence and innovation. I am excited to drive forward our mission, ensuring continued success and growth in the Indian market," said Kotecha.

Eugene Willemsen, CEO of AMESA at PepsiCo, highlighted India's pivotal role in the company's global strategy. "Over the last six years, Ahmed has been instrumental in transforming our business, driving innovation, and steering the team through challenging landscapes. His leadership saw the introduction of pioneering products and various community-focused initiatives. I look forward to continuing to work with him in his new capacity and am equally excited to welcome Jagrut to the India executive team. I am certain that we will continue to scale new zeniths of success under his leadership," Willemsen stated.

PepsiCo India’s commitment to strengthening its operations in India remains steadfast, and this leadership transition is seen as a strategic move to further reinforce the company’s position in the market.