Bacardi India, the privately owned spirits company, has announced the appointment of Mahesh Kanchan as the new Marketing Director for Bacardi India & neighboring countries. Bringing with him extensive leadership experience, particularly in driving marketing initiatives for international brands across various categories in South Asia, Kanchan will now lead the marketing strategies for Bacardi’s range of brands across India and surrounding markets, operating from the company’s office in Gurgaon.
Kanchan boasts a distinguished career spanning over two decades, characterized by his expertise in cultivating brands through meticulous execution and steering companies towards profitable growth. Previously, as the CEO of Del Monte Foods India, he played a pivotal role in revitalizing the company’s market strategies to enhance brand profitability and foster long-term growth.
Before his tenure at Del Monte, Kanchan spearheaded marketing efforts within the Indian alcobev sector as Vice President of Marketing & Revenue Growth Management at Carlsberg India. Prior to this, he contributed to shaping Hershey India’s innovation strategy and growth approach as Vice President of Marketing & Sales. Additionally, during his time at Unilever India, as Regional Marketing Director for South Asia, Kanchan oversaw multiple sales and marketing verticals, driving consistent growth for brands such as Kissan & Knorr (in India), Blue Band & Flora (Pakistan), and Astra, Flora & Marmite (Sri Lanka).
Vinay Golikeri, Managing Director of Bacardi India & Neighboring Countries, expressed his enthusiasm for Kanchan’s appointment, citing his strategic acumen and demonstrated ability to drive brand growth, which aligns with Bacardi’s vision for the Indian market. With India’s alcobev market steadily emerging as one of the largest globally across categories, Golikeri emphasized the importance of Kanchan’s expertise in leading strategic marketing efforts that resonate with audiences nationwide.
In response to his new role, Kanchan expressed his excitement, stating, “I am thrilled to seize the opportunity to enhance both the established and emerging brands within Bacardi’s portfolio across India and neighboring markets. I eagerly anticipate amplifying Bacardi’s consumer-centric marketing initiatives to deliver fresh and meaningful experiences that resonate with our audiences, ultimately driving significant growth to further elevate our brand presence.”
