United Spirits appoints Praveen Someshwar as MD & CEO

The appointment will be effective from April 1, 2025, for a tenure of five years, subject to shareholder approval.

By  Storyboard18| Mar 27, 2025 11:42 AM
Someshwar has also been appointed as an Additional Director on the Board. (Image: SVP India)

United Spirits Limited (USL) has announced the appointment of Praveen Someshwar as its Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer (MD & CEO). As per the company's exchange filings, the appointment will be effective from April 1, 2025, for a tenure of five years, subject to shareholder approval.

The decision was approved by the company’s Board of Directors at its meeting held today. As part of this transition, Someshwar has also been appointed as an Additional Director on the Board.

A seasoned business leader with over 30 years of experience, Someshwar has a strong track record in transformation, strategy, and execution within the media and FMCG industries. Prior to joining USL, he served as the Managing Director and CEO of HT Media, where he spearheaded the digital transformation of one of India’s largest media houses, integrating technology into traditional print, radio, and digital platforms.

Before his tenure at HT Media, Someshwar spent 24 years at PepsiCo, where he held multiple leadership roles across General Management, Finance, and Strategy in India and the Asia-Pacific region. Notably, he served as the CEO of India Foods, overseeing iconic brands such as Lay’s, Kurkure, and Quaker, and later as the CEO of South Asia Beverages, leading business expansions across India, Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan, and Sri Lanka.

A Chartered Accountant (CA) and Cost & Management Accountant (CMA), Someshwar holds a Bachelor of Commerce (Honors) degree from Delhi University.

First Published onMar 27, 2025 11:42 AM

SPOTLIGHT

Special CoverageCalling India’s Boldest Brand Makers: Entries Open for the Storyboard18 Awards for Creativity

From purpose-driven work and narrative-rich brand films to AI-enabled ideas and creator-led collaborations, the awards reflect the full spectrum of modern creativity.

Read More

“Two drunks leaning on a lamppost”: Sir Martin Sorrell on the Omnicom–IPG merger and the turbulence ahead

In a wide-ranging interview with Storyboard18, Sorrell delivers his frankest assessment yet of how the deal will redefine creativity, media, and talent across markets.