Anand Agrawal, Alco-Bev Industry Veteran Joins Som Distilleries & Breweries Ltd as Chief Marketing Officer

SOM Distilleries & Breweries Ltd. is thrilled to welcome Anand Agrawal as its new Chief Marketing Officer. With a robust portfolio of over 2 decades in Brand Management, Trade Marketing, Operations, and Business Development, Anand brings a wealth of expertise and a proven track record of transformative leadership to SOM Distilleries & Breweries Ltd. His strategic foresight will be instrumental in steering the company's entry and expansion within premium segments of the beverage industry.

Anand's career includes significant tenures at Hindustan Unilever Ltd, United Spirits Ltd (Diageo), and Pernod Ricard India Pvt Ltd, where he successfully led initiatives that substantially improved market share and fostered strong consumer preference for numerous iconic brands. At SOM Distilleries & Breweries Ltd, he will oversee the marketing strategies for prominent flagship brands, including Woodpecker, Hunter, Black Fort, Power Cool, and Milestone Blue, aiming to elevate their consumer preference & building stronger connect with the brands, along with entering premium beer, Scotch, and Indian Single Malt (ISM) segments.

Expressing his enthusiasm, Anand Agrawal stated, "I am profoundly honored to join SOM Distilleries & Breweries Ltd. at this pivotal time. My goal is to harness my extensive industry experience to amplify our brand's dominance in the luxury and premium segments, placing consumer insights and preferences at the forefront of our strategic operations. I am committed to cultivating a dynamic culture of innovation and agility that will significantly advance SOM  Distilleries & Breweries Ltd. market leadership."

Diwakaran Suryanarayana, Chief Operating Officer of SOM Distilleries & Breweries Ltd, commented on the appointment, "We are excited to have Anand join our executive leadership. His distinguished background in enhancing brand vitality and his visionary approach to market challenges are exactly what we need to drive our next phase of growth. His strategic acumen and leadership qualities will undoubtedly enrich our consumer engagement and operational excellence."

In addition to his primary marketing responsibilities, Anand will play a crucial role in talent development and strategic structuring of the company's Indian-Made Foreign Liquor (IMFL) business, with a particular focus on expanding the Scotch and ISM categories. He will also lead efforts to refine operational efficiencies and build a cohesive brand ecosystem that ensures continuous profitability and brand loyalty.

Anand is also an avid advocate for professional development, evidenced by his educational pursuits in the General Management Program at IIM Bangalore and the Leadership Program at Singapore Management University, and his mentorship of upcoming leaders in the industry. His personal interests in travel and cinema enrich his understanding of diverse cultural narratives, which he adeptly integrates into brand storytelling and consumer engagement strategies.

Anand's appointment is effective immediately. 

About SOM Distilleries & Breweries Ltd

Founded in 1986, SOM Distilleries & Breweries Ltd. is a publicly listed alcoholic beverage manufacturer with a strong presence both domestically and internationally. Originally established as a distribution company, it later expanded into manufacturing and now operates across 18 states with manufacturing facilities in four states. Headquartered in Bhopal, the group produces beer, whisky, vodka, rum, gin, ready-to-drink beverages, and country liquor. SOM Distilleries & Breweries Ltd. aims to become one of the top three alcoholic beverage companies in India by prioritizing exceptional customer and consumer experiences and focusing on a stronger value proposition.

Aakriti Rawat

A Drinks Writer who is passionate about wine, beer and spirits. Aakriti has an advanced degree in Microbiology and has cultivated skills in food microbiology, beer brewing, wine-making, quality control, and process development through diverse experiences. Her passion for beer, wines and spirits has inclined her interest toward learning, making, and writing about them. She also holds a WSET Level 2 Award in Wines.