William Grant & Sons brings in Pernod Ricard veteran to head India ops

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William Grant & Sons brings in Pernod Ricard veteran to head India ops

Ex-CMO Kartik Mohindra to steer growth in booming whisky market; Sachin Mehta moves to Canada

Kartik Mohindra

MUMBAI: William Grant & Sons (WG & S) has snapped up spirits industry veteran Kartik Mohindra as managing director for India, eyeing a bigger slice of one of the world’s fastest-growing whisky markets. The former chief marketing officer and head of global business development at Pernod Ricard India takes charge on 30 September.

The move signals a sharp play by the Scottish distiller, best known for brands like Glenfiddich and Monkey Shoulder, as it doubles down on India’s premium spirits surge. Mohindra brings over 20 years of experience across alcohol, beverages and FMCG - a seasoned hand to scale up WG&S’ ambitions.

His appointment follows the elevation of outgoing India MD Sachin Mehta, who steps into the role of managing director for Canada - another priority market for the group.

“These appointments reflect our continued investment in key growth markets,” said WG&S chief commercial officer Doug Bagley. “We’re thrilled to have Kartik join us in India - a critical market where Sachin and the team have already laid strong foundations.”

As global booze giants race to tap rising affluence and shifting tastes in developing economies, India has emerged as a battleground for premium spirits - and WG&S is clearly in no mood to play catch-up.