Coca-Cola India rejigs key positions

In order to achieve its vision for 2020, Coca-Cola India has rejigged its key positions, a company statement said Friday.

Sumanta Datta, vice-president - customer and commercial leadership, will take over as vice president, company bottling operations (including Delhi region and National Key accounts).  He will work closely work with the team at Hindustan Coca-Cola to deliver the volume and profitability targets for Coca-Cola India.

Hindustan Coca-Cola is the largest bottling partner of the Coca-Cola Co in India. Bhupendra Suri, currently director, franchise operations, is being elevated as vice president - franchise bottling operations.  He will work with the 11 franchise bottlers in India and provide leadership and strategic direction to them.

The soft drink major that re-entered the country two decades ago plan an investment of $5 billion lined up by 2020 and wants to make India to fifth largest market globally. Debabrata Mukherjee, currently vice president, strategy and still beverages, will take on the role of vice president, marketing and commercial. Anupama Ahluwalia, currently vice president marketing, will take up a short term leadership assignment with Hindustan Coca-Cola.

Vikas Chawla, currently VP Operations, is moving to Athens, taking over as the Franchise Operations Head in South East Europe where he will lead Operations for 12 European countries.  “The new senior level management changes is a step in that direction. The entire team will work closely with our bottling partners to achieve our Vision 2020 goals in India,” said Venkatesh Kini, deputy business unit president, India and South West Asia. Andriy Avramenko, currently vice president - juice, will take over as vice president strategy and still beverages.