Diageo India Appoints Praveen Someshwar as CEO Designate

Diageo India has announced the appointment of Praveen Someshwar as CEO-Designate, set to succeed Hina Nagarajan, the company’s managing director and CEO. 

Nagarajan, who has led Diageo India for four years, will transition to a new global role within Diageo’s organisation. Someshwar will join as CEO-Designate on March 1 and officially assume the role of managing director and CEO on April 1. He will also become a member of Diageo’s Global Executive Committee.

Reflecting on her tenure, Nagarajan, who has been at the helm since July 2021, remarked, “It has been a true privilege to lead Diageo India during a period of strong strategic progress and sustained, profitable double-digit growth. Our market capitalisation has grown to over ₹1 trillion ($12.5 billion). I will continue to support the team as they build on this success under Praveen’s leadership.”

Someshwar, currently the managing director and CEO of HT Media, brings extensive leadership experience to Diageo India. Over the past five years, he has overseen HT Media’s portfolio of digital, print, and radio outlets. Previously, he spent 24 years at PepsiCo, holding senior roles in general management, finance, and strategy across India and the Asia-Pacific region.

Debra Crew, CEO of Diageo, praised Nagarajan’s contributions, noting, “Under Hina’s leadership, Diageo India has achieved strong top-line growth and margin expansion while driving impactful strategic initiatives. She has reshaped and premiumised our portfolio, positioning Diageo India as an innovative leader in the AlcoBev industry. As she transitions to her new role, she leaves behind a remarkable legacy and a highly engaged, talented, and diverse team.”