Gurugram, India / Bangkok, Thailand, July 2026 — Bacardi has elevated Mahesh Kanchan to the role of Managing Director – India & Southeast Asia, expanding his leadership responsibilities across two of the company’s most strategic growth markets. In his new role, he will lead Bacardi’s business strategy, commercial growth, and market expansion across India and Southeast Asia while strengthening the company’s premium spirits portfolio and regional presence.
Mahesh has been with Bacardi for over two years, most recently serving as Managing Director – South East Asia (ASEAN Markets), where he successfully led the business across ASEAN markets. Prior to that, he served as Marketing Director – India & Neighboring Countries, driving brand growth, consumer engagement, and commercial performance across key markets. His leadership has been instrumental in strengthening Bacardi’s premium brand portfolio and accelerating business growth across the region.
Before joining Bacardi, Mahesh served as Chief Executive Officer & Board Member at Del Monte Foods Private Limited, following his earlier role as Chief Commercial Officer, where he led commercial transformation, business expansion, and portfolio growth. Earlier, he spent nearly six years with the Carlsberg Group as Vice President – Marketing (India), playing a pivotal role in establishing Carlsberg as one of India’s fastest-growing beer companies through successful brand-building, innovation, and portfolio strategy.
Prior to Carlsberg, Mahesh served as Vice President – Sales & Marketing (India) at The Hershey Company, leading the company’s sales and marketing strategy across multiple product categories while driving premium portfolio expansion and successful product launches. Earlier in his career, he spent nearly a decade with Unilever, holding several leadership positions including Regional Marketing Director – South Asia, Marketing Manager – Culinary Products, Senior Brand Manager – Infant Care, and Sales Manager – Personal Care, where he led iconic consumer brands, regional innovation strategies, and business transformation initiatives. He began his professional career with leadership roles at UB Group, DHL Express, and Bayer, building a strong foundation in marketing, business development, sales, and supply chain management.
With more than three decades of leadership experience spanning premium spirits, food and beverages, FMCG, consumer goods, and global brand management, Mahesh has consistently delivered sustainable business growth, market expansion, and commercial excellence. His elevation reflects Bacardi’s confidence in his ability to drive strategic growth and strengthen the company’s leadership across India and Southeast Asia.
About Bacardi
Bacardi Limited is the world’s largest privately held international spirits company, producing, marketing, and distributing more than 200 premium brands and labels across over 160 markets worldwide. Its iconic portfolio includes BACARDÍ® rum, PATRÓN® tequila, GREY GOOSE® vodka, BOMBAY SAPPHIRE® gin, DEWAR’S® Scotch whisky, MARTINI® vermouth, and several other globally recognized premium spirits.
Founded more than 162 years ago in Santiago de Cuba, Bacardi remains a family-owned business with over 8,000 employees and manufacturing operations across 10 countries and territories. The company continues to focus on premiumization, innovation, craftsmanship, and responsible growth while delivering exceptional experiences to consumers around the world.
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