Praveen Someshwar to succeed Hina Nagarajan at Diageo India

United Spirits Limited (“Diageo India”) announced the appointment of Praveen Someshwar as CEO-Designate, succeeding Hina Nagarajan.
Hina, currently Managing Director and CEO of Diageo India, will transition to a new role on Diageo’s Global Executive Committee after an impactful four-year tenure. She is credited with driving strong top-line growth, premiumizing the portfolio, and positioning Diageo India as a leader in the AlcoBev industry.
Praveen will join Diageo India on March 1, 2025, as CEO-Designate. Following necessary approvals, he will officially assume the roles of Managing Director and CEO on April 1, 2025, joining Diageo's Executive Committee.
Praveen brings a wealth of experience, having served as MD and CEO of HT Media for the past five years. At HT Media, he led prominent digital, print, and radio platforms, including the Hindustan Times, Mint, and multiple radio channels.

Previously, Praveen had a stellar 24-year career with PepsiCo, holding various leadership roles across General Management, Finance, and Strategy in India and the Asia Pacific region.
Debra Crew, Chief Executive, Diageo, remarked: “Under Hina’s leadership, Diageo India has delivered exceptional results, combining robust growth with impactful strategic initiatives. We are thrilled to welcome Praveen, whose passion for strategy and execution will be pivotal in driving the next phase of Diageo India’s growth.”
Mahendra Kumar Sharma, Chairman, USL Board, added: “Hina’s visionary leadership has left an indelible mark on the business. We thank her for her exceptional contribution and look forward to working with Praveen as he steps into this crucial role.”
Hina Nagarajan, reflecting on her tenure, said: “It has been a privilege to lead Diageo India through a period of strong strategic progress, achieving sustained double-digit growth and market capitalisation of over INR 1 trillion (~US$ 12.5 billion). I am confident in the team’s ability to reach greater heights under Praveen’s leadership.”
Praveen Someshwar, expressing his enthusiasm, commented: “I am delighted to join Diageo, a company with iconic brands and a strong commitment to sustainable growth in India. I look forward to working with my new colleagues to build on their remarkable achievements.”
This leadership transition marks a new chapter for Diageo India, as the company continues its mission to drive innovation, premiumization, and sustainable growth in the AlcoBev sector.

Also Read: HT Media ropes in PepsiCo's Praveen Someshwar as CEO and MD