United Spirits announces leadership reshuffle as Praveen Someshwar named next CEO
INDIA – United Spirits Limited (USL), the Indian subsidiary of global beverage leader Diageo, has announced a significant leadership transition.
Praveen Someshwar will take over as the company’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO) from Hina Nagarajan, who is set to assume a global role within the Diageo Group.
In an official statement, USL confirmed that Someshwar has been appointed as CEO-Designate and will work closely with Nagarajan until March 31, 2025, to ensure a smooth handover.
Effective April 1, 2025, Someshwar will officially step into the role of Managing Director and CEO, subject to applicable legal and regulatory approvals.
Nagarajan, who has led USL for nearly four years, will resign as Managing Director and CEO on March 31, 2025.
During her tenure, Nagarajan played a pivotal role in steering USL’s growth and consolidating its position as a key player in India’s beverage industry.
Diageo CEO Debra Crew welcomed the new appointment, highlighting Someshwar’s extensive experience and leadership credentials.
“Praveen joins us with an outstanding track record of leading consumer businesses, with a passion for both strategy and executional excellence that will serve us well as we plan for the next phase of Diageo India’s exciting growth story. I can’t wait to welcome him on board,” Crew said.
Someshwar brings over two decades of experience in leadership roles across various industries.
For the past five years, he has served as the Managing Director and CEO of HT Media, where he oversaw a portfolio of prominent brands, including Hindustan Times and Mint.
Previously, he spent 24 years at PepsiCo, managing roles in general management, finance, and strategy across India and the Asia-Pacific region.
United Spirits, operating as Diageo India, manages a portfolio of over 50 spirit brands, including household names such as McDowell’s, Royal Challenge, Smirnoff, and Johnnie Walker.
In the second quarter of fiscal 2024/25, the company reported a marginal increase of 0.5 percent in consolidated net profit to Rs341 crore (US$40.55 million).
However, consolidated revenue from operations declined by 0.96 percent to Rs6,672 crore (US$793.5 million).
Recently, Diageo announced plans to shut down the Chase Distillery in Herefordshire and consolidate production of its gins and vodkas at Cameronbridge Distillery in Scotland.
The transition includes the liquidation of Chase Distillery, expected to be completed by June 30, 2025, as part of efforts to enhance efficiency and growth prospects in the competitive spirits market.
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