PepsiCo India on Friday announced the appointment of Savitha Balachandran as its new Chief Financial Officer for India and South Asia, marking a key leadership transition at the consumer goods major.
Balachandran will succeed Kaushik Mitra, who is set to retire on April 15 after a 24-year career with PepsiCo. The company said she will take charge following a structured transition period.
In her new role, Balachandran will oversee PepsiCo’s finance function across India and South Asia, with responsibilities spanning financial strategy, governance, risk management and performance oversight. She will also work closely with the leadership team to support the company’s long-term growth plans in India, one of PepsiCo’s priority markets globally.
Background and Experience
Prior to joining PepsiCo India, Balachandran served as Chief Financial Officer at Tata Technologies, where she played a central role in strengthening financial discipline, enabling profitable growth and leading the company’s initial public offering in 2023.
She has also held several senior finance leadership roles at Tata Motors, gaining extensive experience across large, complex businesses and global operations.
Outgoing CFO Kaushik Mitra to Retire
Kaushik Mitra, who Balachandran will replace, has held multiple senior finance leadership positions during his tenure at PepsiCo, providing financial stewardship across India and the Asia-Pacific region.
PepsiCo India said Mitra will pursue further academic interests and a career as an author following his retirement.
PepsiCo’s India Operations
PepsiCo India markets a wide portfolio of food and beverage brands in the country, including Kurkure, Lays and Quaker Oats in foods, and Pepsi and Mountain Dew in beverages. India remains a key growth market for the global consumer goods company amid rising consumption and expanding distribution.
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