There are many inspirational leaders at Diageo. Among them is Abanti Sankaranarayanan, Chief Strategy and Corporate Affairs Officer for Diageo India, who is celebrated in Business Today's Most Powerful Women in Business & Economy list.
Business Today praised Abanti for "advocating for a stable policy environment for the alcohol business in the corridors of power". This environment helped Diageo register 10 per cent growth in sales and 143 per cent growth in profits in the first quarter of 2019/20.
Being part of the largest alcohol company in India, Abanti finds herself in a unique position to steer change. Learn more about Abanti being celebrated by Business Today.
An exciting and impressive career history
Abanti's responsibilities at Diageo include Alcohol Policy, Regulatory & Trade matters, Market Access, Corporate Communications & Reputation and initiatives to address alcohol misuse, champion responsible consumption and deliver Social Impact.
Abanti has more than 20 years' experience in the consumer industry. Prior to her current role, she was Managing Director, Diageo India Pvt Ltd, leading Diageo’s business mandate for international spirits in India. Under her leadership, Diageo’s brand portfolio in India delivered strong double digit growth, high market share gains and robust brand equity enhancement.
Abanti initially joined Diageo as the Marketing and Innovation Director responsible for building brands like Johnnie Walker, Smirnoff, VAT 69 and Cîroc. Prior to Diageo, she served as a member of the Tata Administrative Service (TAS) cadre where she held key roles managing major consumer brands.
Abanti is on CII’s National FMCG Committee. She is also on the Boards of the Advertising Standards Council of India (ASCI), Arvind Fashions Ltd, UK India Business Council in India (UKIBC India) and the International Spirits & Wines Association of India (ISWAI). She is an Economics Graduate from St. Stephen’s College, Delhi, and holds an MBA from the Indian Institute of Management (IIM), Ahmedabad.
Join inspirational women like Abanti at Diageo
Women like Abanti are making a huge difference through their work at Diageo.
If you want to be part of an inclusive company, search and apply for Diageo job vacancies today.
Find out more
Disclosure: Where Women Work researches and publishes insightful evidence about how its paid member organizations support women's equality.