Radico Khaitan has announced significant leadership progression effective February 13, 2026, aligning with its strategies for premiumisation and global brand building. Mr. Sudhir Upadhyay has been elevated to Chief Sales Officer, and Mr. Kunal Madan is now the Chief Marketing Officer. This move emphasizes cultivating leadership internally to ensure organizational resilience and accelerate the company’s next phase of growth.
Radico Khaitan Strengthens Leadership for Future Growth
Radico Khaitan Limited, a major Indian alcobev manufacturer, announced a leadership progression on February 13, 2026. This strategic move supports the company’s priorities in premiumisation, global brand building, and future readiness by positioning next-generation CXOs to deepen capabilities.
Key Executive Elevations
The company has elevated two long-serving, internally developed leaders:
- Mr. Sudhir Upadhyay has been appointed as the Chief Sales Officer. With over 25 years of industry experience and more than a decade at Radico Khaitan, he will now focus on strengthening execution and distribution excellence across markets.
- Mr. Kunal Madan is appointed as the Chief Marketing Officer. With over 20 years of experience, he will lead the company’s overall marketing strategy, brand architecture, and premiumisation agenda.
The core leadership team remains under the guidance of Mr. Abhishek Khaitan, Managing Director, and includes Mr. Dilip Banthiya (CFO) and Mr. Sanjeev Banga (President – International Business).
Statement on Internal Talent Cultivation
Mr. Abhishek Khaitan emphasized the organization’s belief in organic growth: “We deeply believe that true leadership is not imported, it is cultivated.” He stated the conscious choice to elevate talent from within reflects faith in the people who have grown alongside the organization, making them best suited to carry forward its values.
COO Transition
The announcement also detailed a role transition involving Mr. Amar Sinha, who is stepping down from his role as Chief Operating Officer. Mr. Abhishek Khaitan sincerely appreciated Mr. Sinha’s contributions to the company’s growth journey across multiple phases.
Mr. Amar Sinha expressed gratitude for the opportunity, stating it was a “privilege to be part of Radico Khaitan’s growth journey” and acknowledged the visionary leadership of Mr. Abhishek Khaitan, expressing confidence that the company will continue to scale new heights.
Enhancing Premium Focus
To further accelerate premium growth, Radico Khaitan onboarded Ajay Kakkar last year to head the Premium On-Trade vertical. With over two decades of experience, he is focused on expanding distribution and strengthening presence in high-growth on-premises segments.
About Radico Khaitan
Radico Khaitan is one of India’s oldest and largest manufacturers of IMFL, commencing operations in 1943. The company’s portfolio includes flagship brands such as 8 PM Whisky, Magic Moments Vodka, and Rampur Indian Single Malt Whiskies. The company boasts a total owned capacity of 321 million litres and exports its brands to over 100 countries.
Source: BSE
