Reports suggest that PepsiCo, the renowned food and beverage giant, is gearing up for a significant leadership transition, with George Kovoor, a seasoned executive, poised to take the reins as President of PepsiCo India. Ahmed ElSheikh, the incumbent president, is anticipated to transition to a global role within the American company early next year.
The impending leadership shuffle, set to be unveiled in the coming months, hints at Kovoor’s elevation to the topmost position within PepsiCo India. An unnamed executive, speaking with ET under the condition of anonymity, shared insights into the imminent changes, emphasising that the announcement is imminent.
George Kovoor presently serves as the Senior Vice President and General Manager at PepsiCo India, leading the beverage division since January 2022. With a remarkable 30-year tenure within the organisation, Kovoor has held pivotal roles across the Asia-Pacific region, China, and New York. Noteworthy is his return to India following an 18-year absence, during which he has played a key role in formulating PepsiCo’s long-term sustainability strategy tailored specifically for its Indian operations. Before this, Kovoor served as the Senior Vice President overseeing the International Away From Home division at PepsiCo’s global headquarters in New York. This role showcased his wealth of experience and strategic acumen in managing the company’s global endeavours.
Meanwhile, Ahmed ElSheikh, originating from Egypt, has been spearheading PepsiCo India since 2017, creating a significant landmark as the initial foreign-born executive to lead PepsiCo’s operations within the nation.
The decision to appoint George Kovoor as President of PepsiCo India represents a strategic move aimed at steering the company’s growth trajectory amidst the evolving landscape of the food and beverage industry. This leadership transition underscores PepsiCo’s commitment to fortifying its market presence and adapting to dynamic market forces under Kovoor’s stewardship.
