Radico Khaitan Strengthens Leadership Bench with Strategic CXO Promotions to Accelerate Premium Growth

New Delhi, Radico Khaitan Ltd. has announced a significant leadership restructuring as part of its long-term strategy to accelerate premiumisation, strengthen global brand equity and enhance organisational depth. The Indian spirits major has promoted senior internal executives to key CXO roles, signalling a strong focus on continuity and internal capability development.

Sudhir Upadhyay has been appointed Chief Sales Officer, while Kunal Madan takes charge as Chief Marketing Officer. Both executives have spent over a decade with the company and bring extensive industry experience, reinforcing Radico Khaitan’s approach of nurturing leadership from within as it prepares for its next growth cycle.

Strengthened Core Leadership Structure

The realigned leadership framework operates under the stewardship of Managing Director Abhishek Khaitan. The core management team includes Dilip Banthiya as Chief Financial Officer and Sanjeev Banga as President – International Business.

The expanded leadership bench now also includes Sudhir Upadhyay (Chief Sales Officer), Kunal Madan (Chief Marketing Officer), and Saket Somani (Head – Finance & Strategy). The structure blends seasoned leadership with emerging executive talent to sharpen execution across domestic and international markets.

Commenting on the leadership evolution, Abhishek Khaitan stated that the company remains committed to cultivating leaders internally, emphasizing that long-term growth is strengthened when individuals rise through the organisation and carry forward its institutional values.

Internal Promotions Signal Continuity

Sudhir Upadhyay transitions into the Chief Sales Officer role after serving as National Sales Head for two years. With over 25 years of industry experience, he will oversee sales strategy and distribution execution, with a mandate to expand market reach and improve on-ground performance.

Kunal Madan, who brings more than two decades of experience across global sales and marketing functions, will now spearhead the company’s overall marketing direction. He has played a key role in developing Radico Khaitan’s premium and luxury portfolio and enhancing its global travel retail footprint. In his expanded mandate, he will lead brand positioning, portfolio strategy and premium brand expansion.

Leadership Transition at COO Level

As part of the restructuring, Amar Sinha has stepped down from his position as Chief Operating Officer. During his tenure, he contributed across multiple operational phases and supported brand-led initiatives within the company’s portfolio.

The company acknowledged his role in its growth journey and extended best wishes for his future professional pursuits.

Focus on Premium On-Trade Expansion

To further strengthen its premium business, the company had onboarded Ajay Kakkar last year to lead the Premium On-Trade vertical. With over two decades of experience spanning modern trade, institutional channels and off-trade distribution, he is tasked with expanding presence in on-premises consumption segments and deepening distribution capabilities.

Positioning for the Next Phase of Growth

Radico Khaitan, one of India’s leading alcoholic beverage companies, has steadily expanded its premium and luxury portfolio in recent years while strengthening its international presence. The latest leadership changes underline a structured succession plan aimed at enhancing strategic agility, execution strength and long-term resilience.

With a refreshed executive team and sharper strategic alignment, the company is positioning itself to capture growth opportunities across domestic and global markets while advancing its premiumisation roadmap.