PepsiCo’s Shivakumar To Join Aditya Birla Group As Head Of Strategy

While PepsiCo confirmed Shivakumar’s resignation, Aditya Birla confirmed his appointment to BW Businessworld. “Yes, Shivkumar will be joining us as head of strategy,” Pragnya Ram, group executive president, corporate communications and CSR, Aditya Birla Management Corporation Private Limited said. Shiv will report to chairman Kumar Mangalam Birla.

PepsiCo India chairman D Shivakumar has decided to join Aditya Birla Group as head of strategy after completing the stint with the beverage major for almost four years, confirmed the $45-billion Aditya Birla Group.

While PepsiCo confirmed Shivakumar’s resignation, Aditya Birla confirmed his appointment to BW Businessworld. “Yes, Shivkumar will be joining us as head of strategy,” Pragnya Ram, group executive president, corporate communications and CSR, Aditya Birla Management Corporation Private Limited said. Shiv will report to chairman Kumar Mangalam Birla.

Shivkumar will bid adieu to the company at a time when beverage makers including Coca-Cola and PepsiCo are being hit hard by slow growth in the soft drinks segment.

Buyer preference for non-sugary healthier beverages and a proliferation of B-brands have led to a tepid demand, with growth falling to low single digits for seven quarters now. Further, levies of 40% on aerated beverages under the single producer tax GST have dented the profitability of both global companies.

Shiv will be leaving PepsiCo on December 31. He has been considered instrumental in leading the transformation journey for the company. “Notably he has been a key driver for portfolio transformation and helped develop our nutrition business, launching winning innovations with our Quaker and Tropicana brands. Under his leadership, we also deepened consumer engagement with our flagship brands. We thank him for his commitment to the company and wish him best in his future endeavors,” said PepsiCo spokesperson.