Bisleri International, one of the largest manufacturers of bottled water and soft drinks in India, is set to undergo a leadership change. According to recent reports, Jayanti Chauhan, daughter of Bisleri’s founder Ramesh Chauhan, will take over as the company’s CEO, replacing current CEO Angelo George who has been leading the company since June 2019.
The leadership change comes after Tata Consumer Products Ltd (TCPL), part of the Tata Group, withdrew from the acquisition process of Bisleri. The deal, which was said to be worth up to Rs. 7000 crores, was called off by Tata Consumer due to “indecisiveness”. As per earlier reports, the deal would have seen the company’s current management continue for two years as part of the agreement.
Jayanti Chauhan, who is currently the Vice Chairperson of Bisleri International, has been involved in the company’s business for several years. She has been working on expanding Bisleri’s Vedika brand, which offers flavored and functional water options. With her appointment as CEO, Chauhan will steer the company alongside a professional team.
Bisleri International was incorporated in 1984 by Jayantilal Chauhan, who acquired the eponymous brand of bottled water from Italian brand Felice Bisleri in 1969. The company later diversified into soft drinks, creating popular brands such as ThumsUp, Gold Spot, Maaza, and Limca. The latter three were acquired by Coca-Cola in 1993.
Bisleri International has 122 operational plants in India and is known for its commitment to sustainability, having implemented measures such as rainwater harvesting, recycling, and reduction of plastic waste. The company has also been expanding its operations internationally, with a presence in countries such as Italy, the UAE, and Bangladesh.
While Tata Consumer has withdrawn from the acquisition process, Bisleri International remains a major player in the Indian beverage industry, and Jayanti Chauhan’s appointment as CEO signals a new chapter in the company’s history.
