United Spirits names Praveen Someshwar as MD and CEO

Global liquor firm Diageo’s India arm, United Spirits Ltd, has named Praveen Someshwar as managing director and chief executive officer (CEO).

Someshwar will take over the new role from 1 April, when incumbent Hina Nagarajan will transition to a fresh role in Diageo’s global executive committee.

Someshwar, who has been CEO of HT Media Ltd for the past five years, will join United Spirits, which sells Black Dog whisky, White Mischief vodka, and Honey Bee brandy, among other liquor brands, on 1 March as CEO-designate.

During his tenure at HT Media, Someshwar oversaw the operations of prominent outlets including Hindustan Times, Mint, and various radio platforms.

Prior to his stint at HT Media, he spent 24 years at PepsiCo, where he held leadership positions in general management, finance, and strategy across India and the Asia-Pacific region.

Someshwar succeeds Nagarajan, who has been at the helm of United Spirits for four years.

“It has been a true privilege to lead Diageo India during a period of strong strategic progress and sustained, profitable double-digit growth for the business, with our market capitalization growing to more than Rs1 trillion ($ 12.5 bn). I wish all my Diageo India colleagues ongoing success and look forward to supporting them as they continue their work in building this fantastic business under Praveen’s leadership,” Nagarajan said in a statement.

Someshwar said, “I am delighted to be joining Diageo–a business with world-leading brands, talented colleagues, and a long-term commitment to developing its business sustainably in India. I look forward to working with my new colleagues to build on their great work.”