BW MIW: Hina Nagarajan - The Growth & Inclusivity Champion

Hina Nagarajan, the force to reckon with behind Diageo India’s growth and the catalyst for inclusivity in the company has navigated some important roles at the alco-beverage brand. She made her mark as the managing director of Diageo’s Africa and Emerging Markets. Overseeing 37 African countries, she orchestrated a turnaround for the region in two years, positioning it among the significant contributors to Diageo’s global growth. It was this success that brought her to her current CEO and MD role at Diageo India in July 2021.

Under her leadership, the company implemented a growth strategy aligned with evolving consumer trends. The Prestige & Above segment at the company contributed 86.4 per cent to net sales, achieving a 22.8 per cent growth in FY23.

Hitting Milestones

One of Nagarajan’s standout achievements is her commitment to diversity and inclusion. “I want to normalise the category and open it up to more diverse talents and consumers who enjoy unique experiences. I want our company to be leading in performance with purpose and doing business the right way from grain to glass,” she says.

Under her leadership, Diageo India promoted gender equity in the workplace. “We have come a long way and our diversity ratio in India has moved from 7.5 per cent in 2015 to 26.4 per cent in FY23. Diageo India was recently recognised as a Gold Employer by Pride Circle India Workplace Equality Index which makes me very proud,” Nagarajan remarks.

Under her leadership, Diageo India, once burdened with cumulative losses, has become a debt-free company, declared dividends for the first time in a decade and witnessed a nearly doubled share price since 2021.

A Call for Change

In the face of several accomplishments, Nagarajan remains a staunch advocate for women in the corporate world. Recognising the strides already made in this space, she notes, “While I have seen a growing intent and effort by corporates to retain and nurture women leadership, we still have a long way to go.”

Nagarajan encourages organisations to rethink work policies, providing flexibility and upskilling opportunities for women and to consciously take bold bets on their women workforce and leaders.

Imparting Lessons

For aspiring women leaders, Nagarajan advises, “Believe in yourself irrespective of the industry you are working in and find your own balance in life. Don’t hesitate to try the unimaginable and be fearless. Speak up! Express your ambitions, and make sure you are heard. If you want to reach the C-suite or the CEO level, let people know your career aspirations and consciously seek feedback and development, so that you can be ready for it.”