INDIA – Tata Starbucks, a 50/50 joint venture between Tata Consumer Products and Starbucks Corporation, has announced the appointment of Sushant Dash as CEO designate effective April 1, 2021.
Dash is replacing Navin Gurnaney who Tata Starbucks said has made the decision to pursue an opportunity outside of the company.
Under Gurnaney’s leadership, the company experienced accelerated growth, new city entries and store formats.
During Gurnaney’s tenure, the venture also made numerous contributions related to social impact initiatives, as well as innovative product offerings.
Dash will take over as CEO as from May 1st 2021. He joins Tata Starbucks from Tata Consumer Products where he is currently president – packaged beverages business, India, Bangladesh, and Middle East.
Over the last 20 years with the company, Dash has been instrumental in growing the branded tea business to its current leadership position.
In 2012, he was on the core team that opened the first Tata Starbucks store in India and was directly responsible for the strategy and marketing of the Starbucks brand in the country.
“Navin has made significant contributions to the Tata Starbucks business in India, stepping up expansion and enhancing the customer experience,” said Sunil D’Souza, MD and CEO, Tata Consumer Products.
“We remain committed to growing the Tata Starbucks business and brand and are happy to bring in Sushant, with his strong marketing, operational and leadership experience to spearhead the next phase of growth.”
“We remain committed to growing the Tata Starbucks business and brand and are happy to bring in Sushant, with his strong marketing, operational and leadership experience to spearhead the next phase of growth.”
Sunil D’Souza – MD and CEO, Tata Consumer Products
The appointment of Dash follows an announcement by Tata Consumer Products of plans to acquire Kottaram Agro Foods (KAF) in an effort to expand its product portfolio and participate in additional consumption occasions.
KAF’s Soulfull brand offers a portfolio of millet-based products for kids and adults, including cereals, muesli, snacks and plant-based protein drinks.
“This acquisition is a good strategic fit for Tata Consumer Products,” said Sunil D’Souza, managing director and CEO, Tata Consumer Products.
“It opens to us significant new market opportunities in the fast-growing mini meals segments and helps us partner a passionate and ambitious team of entrepreneurs who will remain and become a part of Tata Consumer Products’ team. “
According to a report by The Economic Times of India, the deal was made for Rs 155.8 crore (about US$21.4 million ).
Tata Consumer Products claims that Soulfull – which was launched in 2013 – is one of the fastest
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