Vijay K. Rekhi

Founder Chairman

Core Competency

Leadership & Strategic Management

Vijay is a strategic visionary and innovator, who played a pivotal role at the helm of United Spirits, transforming it into a formidable global player in the alcobev domain. Numerous scotch and admixed brands that he integrated into the company’s portfolio have become leaders in their respective price segments. His impeccable track record with the UB Group, including the leadership of McDowell’s, Carew Phipson, Herbertsons, and other group companies, is widely recognized and respected. With over four decades of experience and valuable associations, Vijay offers unparalleled expertise to his clients.

Experience

Vijay's career in leadership roles spans several decades, beginning in 1986. Notably, he was Chairman of the Executive Committee at United Spirits in Bangalore until April 2014, prior to which he was also President and Managing Director and Deputy President from 1993 to 2011. Between 1989 and 1992, Vijay was Regional Director for Berger Paints North America and the Caribbean. He also held the position of Chief Executive Officer at UB Group’s Carew Phipson Limited in Kolkata for four years. Prior to this, he headed Herbertsons in Mumbai as Director of Marketing and Sales for alcobev and FMCG products.

Education

Vijay boasts exemplary academic credentials. He is a graduate from programs at prestigious institutions including Harvard Business School (HBS), Wharton Business School, the Indian Institute of Management, Ahmedabad (IIM-A), Delhi School of Economics (DSE), and Shriram College of Commerce and Economics (SRCC).

N. Janardana Menon

Senior Associate & Advisor

Core Competency

Distillation, Maturation & Product Development

Janardhana brings over five decades of extensive experience in the Indian alcobev industry to the mix, encompassing brewing, distillation, and fermentation. His expertise spans grape and malt spirit production and maturation, blending and bottling, as well as product development and quality control. His profound knowledge and mastery of these areas make him an invaluable asset to the industry.

Experience

Janardhana pioneered the establishment of United Spirits' first technical centre, setting a benchmark in the industry. He played a pivotal role in developing some of USL’s most renowned brands. Additionally, Janardhana collaborated with the management team on acquiring distilleries, expanding existing units, and setting up facilities for malt and grape spirit production and maturation. His core competencies include the development of blends and flavours, the establishment of malt spirit plants and maturation facilities, and the procurement of special spirits. Janardhana’s expertise is rooted in his vast experience and exposure to distilleries worldwide.

Education

Janardhana is a postgraduate in chemistry and holds diplomas in alcohol technology from HBTI, Kanpur, and brewing technology from Siebel Institute, Chicago. He has also been a member of the BIS Standards Committee for Alcoholic and Carbonated Beverages and the AIDA Technical Committee.

Pundlik Kalburgi

Senior Associate & Advisor

Core Competency

Business Strategy, Marketing & Sales & New Product Development

Pundlik, an “Alcobev Start-up Specialist,” is a sharp professional with an analytical mind and keen attention to detail. These qualities enable him to excel in the comprehensive planning and execution of marketing and sales strategies for alcohol brands. His depth of knowledge and innovative approach allow him to devise creative solutions and tailor strategies that effectively capture market opportunities.

Experience

Pundlik brings over 20 years of diverse experience in Sales and Marketing, encompassing Business Strategy, New Product Development, Brand Management, Sales and Distribution, Trade Marketing, and Key Accounts Management. Prior to joining Vizanar Alcobev Advisors, he honed his expertise at leading alcobev firms such as United Breweries, Diageo, John Distilleries, Allied Blenders & Distillers, and Unibev Limited.

Education

A Commerce Graduate from Karnataka University, Belgaum, Pundlik earned his MBA in Marketing from M.S. Ramaiah Institute of Management, Bangalore. Driven by his passion for building high-quality brands and mastering business management, he further enhanced his skills through a Management Development Programme in Advanced Brand Management at the prestigious Symbiosis Institute of Business Management, Bangalore.

S.R. Ainapur

Senior Associate & Advisor

Core Competency

Commercial Finance, Accounting & Compliances

S. R. Ainapur is a true wizard when it comes to managing commercial and compliance- related matters in the alcobev industry. With an extensive and diverse background in the field, he has mastered the intricacies of regulatory requirements, legal compliance, and strategic commercial operations. His wealth of experience enables him to navigate complex challenges with ease and provide invaluable insights to clients.

Experience

Mr. Ainapur has 35 years of comprehensive experience in the IMFL Industry, covering Accounts, Finance, and Commercial Functions. His illustrious career includes various key positions at McDowell & Company Ltd. (now Diageo, India), where he served as Accounts Manager in the Goa Factory and Regional Finance Head for the South, North, and West Regions. His expertise encompasses regional finance fund Management, accounts, statutory audit, accounts receivables management, and regional legal matters.

Education

Mr. Ainapur holds a Business Commerce Degree from Karnataka University, Dharwad, and is an accredited Chartered Accountant through ICAI New Delhi. Additionally, he has attended Senior Management courses at XLRI Jamshedpur in 2001 and IIM Bangalore in 2011.

Satish Nair

Senior Associate

Core Competency

Supply Chain & Logistics

Satish is best described by his keen eye for detail, exceptional negotiation skills, and resourceful leadership. As a key player in the USL growth and success story, he has held numerous leadership positions in supply chain and logistics. His innovative contributions span business process restructuring, ERP and systems implementation, and packaging development.

Experience

Satish has over 35 years of extensive experience in supply chain and logistics, with twenty- eight years specifically in the alcobev industry. His tenure at United Spirits encompassed diverse responsibilities across manufacturing units and regional offices, where he led the supply chain and logistics for the packaging and allied materials group. His expertise extends to optimizing logistics operations, managing supplier relationships, and ensuring efficient inventory management, which have consistently driven operational excellence and cost savings.

Education

Satish is a science graduate and holds a postgraduate diploma in materials management from reputed universities. His academic background, combined with his vast industry experience, has equipped him with the skills and knowledge necessary to excel in supply chain and logistics management.

Mahesh Nedungadi

Senior Advisor – Legal & Secretarial

Core Competency

Corporate Legal & Secretarial Affairs

Mahesh is a distinguished Law Graduate and Fellow Member of the Institute of Company Secretaries. His impressive career includes serving as Senior General Manager - Legal at United Spirits Limited, as well as holding Directorships in various UB group companies. Mahesh has extensive experience with legal issues across diverse industries including Spirits, Airlines, Agribusiness, Livestock, and Plantation.

Experience

Mahesh has over 30 years of extensive legal experience, with two-thirds of his career spent as Senior General Manager – Legal, at United Spirits Ltd. His areas of expertise include managing the company's intellectual property, such as trademarks, designs, copyrights, and more, and independently handling litigation to minimize legal risks. He is adept at drafting various agreements, including joint ventures, foreign collaborations, technical know-how transfers, sponsorships, commercial licenses, contract manufacturing, trademark usage, franchises, confidentiality and non-disclosure, and business transfers. Additionally, he has a strong background in legal compliance, covering company secretarial duties, mergers and amalgamations, and real estate matters. Mahesh's comprehensive legal acumen ensures robust protection and strategic advantage for any organization he partners with.

Education

Mahesh holds a Law degree (LLB) from Bangalore University and is a distinguished Fellow Member of the Institute of Company Secretaries of India (FCS). His robust legal education, combined with his professional qualifications, equips him with a strong foundation in corporate law and governance.

Rajshekhar Nambiar

Associate & Advisor

Core Competency

Quality Assurance

Rajshekhar is an expert in Quality Assurance and process standardization. With extensive skills in packaging design, development, and standardization, he brings valuable experience in malt spirit production and maturation, extra neutral alcohol production, as well as blending and quality control in spirits production. His proficiency ensures that every aspect of the production process meets the highest standards.

Experience

Rajshekhar worked at United Spirits for about 30 years, during which time he gained vast experience in a number of crucial areas such as quality assurance, process standardization, package design, and the manufacturing and maturation of malt spirits. His experience in the alcohol sector was further cemented at Jagajit Industries, where he polished his talents in production and quality assurance.

Education

Rajshekhar graduated with a Bachelor of Science from Delhi University and further advanced his education by completing a Post Graduate Diploma in Industrial Fermentations and Alcohol Technology from the National Sugar Institute, Kanpur. Additionally, he attended a Management Development Programme at IIM, Ahmedabad.

T. V. Subramanian

Senior Associate & Advisor

Core Competency

Business & Market Intelligence

T.V.S. possesses a composed and analytical mind, with a remarkable ability to derive meaningful business insights from market trends and data. His expertise enables him to craft strategies that significantly enhance organizational performance, directly impacting the P&L of businesses. His strategic foresight and data-driven approach are invaluable assets to any business looking to excel.

Experience

With over three decades of managerial experience, T.V.S. has excelled in diverse domains such as general management, regulatory management, distribution, logistics, MIS, finance, and commercial functions. His extensive background spans sectors including alcohol beverages, FMCG, industrial products, and pharmaceuticals. He possesses in-depth knowledge of Indian state excise policies, rules, regulations, and market insights relevant to the alcobev industry, gained from his valuable tenure at United Spirits.

Education

T.V.S. holds a Master of Commerce degree and has earned qualifications such as Grad CWA and PGDSM. His impressive academic credentials include studies at prestigious institutions like Shri Ram College of Commerce (SRCC), Delhi, the Indian Institute of Costs & Works Accountants of India, NIIT, and the Senior Management Course at the Indian Institute of Management, Ahmedabad.

Shefali Kotnala

Senior Associate & Advisor

Core Competency

Marketing & PR Management

Shefali, a seasoned corporate marketing professional, has spearheaded numerous successful alcobev campaigns. Her achievements include driving policy changes to mobilize public opinion, orchestrating multi-country product showcases across the FMCG and IT sectors, and even leading bilateral FDI campaigns for political parties. Her strategic vision and expertise have consistently delivered impactful results.

Experience

Shefali brings over 20 years of rich experience in PR, having held leadership positions in India and contributed to the APAC region in shaping public policy in the healthcare sector. From 2007 to 2014, she served as the Marketing Services Lead at United Spirits. Prior to that, she was the Healthcare Practice Lead for Weber Shandwick, managing the P&L for the company’s Bangalore operations from 2001 to 2007. During her tenure, Shefali received the APAC leadership award for driving a visionary shift in top line and maintaining aggressive business momentum. She started her PR career at Ogilvy & Mather, where she was recognized as a star performer by the India management team.

Education

Shefali graduated from Delhi University with a bachelor’s degree in economics and a diploma in mass communications. She further pursued an MBA after joining Ogilvy & Mather, sharpening her business management skills.

Sudhir K. Rastogi

Senior Associate

Core Competency

Quality Control & Assurance

Sudhir brings an innovative and contemporary approach to technical subjects, always seeking to simplify processes and make them user-friendly. A strong advocate for training, knowledge sharing, and team empowerment, his forward-thinking mindset fosters a collaborative and efficient work environment.

Experience

Sudhir brings 40 years of extensive experience in the food and beverage industry, with significant tenures at Jagatjit Industries and the UB Group. He played a crucial role in developing quality control (QC) and quality assurance (QA) procedures in the alcobev sector. His expertise spans process control, packaging development, value engineering, and research and development. Sudhir has proven credentials in distillery management and corporate quality management, having managed more than 100 units across the country.

Education

Sudhir holds a postgraduate degree in chemistry and has completed various certificate courses, including Six Sigma and lean manufacturing. He has also attended residential courses in quality management at TMTC, Pune, and total quality management at AOTC, Kansai, Japan. He has been a member of the technical committees of various institutions, such as Committee for Metal Containers of IIP, Mumbai and Glass Sectional Committee of Bureau of Indian Standards.

Dr. Binod K. Maitin

Senior Associate & Advisor

Core Competency

Analytical Flavour and Product Development

Binod is a distinguished scientific and technical expert, boasting over four decades of extensive experience. His vast knowledge and proven track record of high achievement span new product development for beverages and flavours, quality management, analytical and sensory sciences, and technical support and training. Binod's expertise has consistently driven innovation and excellence in the industry.

Experience

With over 42 years of experience, Binod spent 25 of those years at United Spirits, and the remainder in esteemed academic and industrial organizations, including Shriram Institute for Industrial Research, The Queen’s University of Belfast, and Central Ground Water Board. At United Spirits, he excelled as the Head of the Technical Centre, leading a team of highly driven professionals. Binod is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Chemistry, London, and serves on the expert panel of Jury for Tasting & Judging of Spirit Products at international competitions such as IWSC in London and ISW in Germany.

Education

Binod boasts an exemplary academic record, with an M.Sc. in Analytical Chemistry from Allahabad University and a Ph.D. in Analytical Chemistry from Queen’s University of Belfast, UK. His also holds certified qualifications that include Total Quality Management & HACCP from AOTS, Japan, and Lead Assessor Certification by Neville-Clarke, UK. He has published and presented more than 50 papers on various aspects of analytical and sensory sciences, quality, beverages, and new product development.

Devendar N. Sapra

Senior Associate & Advisor

Core Competency

Brewery Operations

A veteran of the beer industry, Devendar embodies the entrepreneurial spirit. He has held numerous leadership positions across global locations, creating iconic brews for United Breweries in India, the UK, and the USA. Devendar has collaborated closely with regulatory bodies, senior management, and production teams. His unique skills lie in providing technical guidance on quality, efficiency, and productivity improvement.

Experience

Devendar began his career as an Assistant Brewer in the UK before joining United Breweries in Bangalore, where he managed an impressive 23 breweries. He has the unique distinction of working at both a brewery and a distillery, making him a versatile and highly skilled professional in the industry. Devendar’s comprehensive knowledge and hands-on experience contribute significantly to his expertise and reputation.

Education

Devendar holds dual postgraduate degrees in Organic Chemistry and Brewing Science from esteemed institutions, including the University of Birmingham, UK. He has also completed several advanced programs in Management, Industrial Relations, and Human Resources at XLRI, further enhancing his expertise and leadership skills.

T. K. Subramanian

Senior Associate

Core Competency

IT Innovation & Strategy Implementation

Subramanian excels in IT innovation, integration, and implementation, seamlessly aligning these processes with enterprise business strategies. He is distinguished for conceptualizing and building extended enterprise portals, facilitating collaboration with suppliers, partners, and associates. The hallmark of his illustrious career is his ability to upgrade and adapt to emerging domains with minimal costs, leveraging his extensive knowledge of hardware, service providers, and supplier relationships.

Experience

Subramanian's career spans over four decades, during which he has held leadership positions in various companies. He has been instrumental in shaping IT visions that prioritize seamless workflows for both internal and external stakeholders, with a strong emphasis on communication and collaboration. His extensive experience and strategic foresight have consistently driven successful IT initiatives, fostering environments of enhanced connectivity and efficiency.

Education

Subramanian holds a bachelor’s degree in Physics from the University of Calicut and a postgraduate diploma in Management Science from Mumbai University. Winner of numerous awards and recognized for his outstanding contributions to the evolution and advancement of information systems in the industry, he is frequently quoted by CIO and CXO magazines.

Gerald G. D'Souza

Senior Associate & Advisor

Core Competency

Training & Human Capital

Gerald is best known for his calm and positive approach to the most critical and sensitive asset of any company – human resources. Throughout his distinguished career, he has expertly managed transition processes during numerous mergers and acquisitions. His adept handling of such significant changes has consistently ensured smooth integrations and minimal disruptions.

Experience

Gerald is a seasoned problem solver with extensive experience in HR across diverse industry verticals. For 15 years, he led the HR team at United Spirits, spearheading the seamless integration and consolidation of numerous acquisitions. During this time, he introduced several innovative programs and processes, bringing international finesse to large Indian homegrown companies.

Education

Gerald holds a degree in Western Philosophy and a master’s degree in Human Resources & Industrial Relations from the Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS), Mumbai. He has also attended various short training courses to further hone his professional skills, ensuring he remains at the forefront of HR practices.

Pramod Krishna

Principal Associate & Advisor

Core Competency

Alcobev Industry Insights & External Relations

After two decades of distinguished service in the Armed Forces and a successful stint with a business house in the alcobev domain, Pramod took on the pivotal role of Director General & CEO of the Confederation of Indian Alcoholic Beverage Companies (CIABC). As the apex body of the Indian alcobev sector, CIABC encompasses all multinational and domestic companies operating in India. Under Pramod's leadership, CIABC became a powerful voice in the industry, advocating for and representing the interests of its diverse membership.

Experience

As Director General of CIABC, Pramod's diverse responsibilities encompassed regulatory framework and compliance, legal issues, feasibility and research studies, interaction with other industry bodies, responsible drinking campaigns, investment advisory, and speaking at international conferences. His extensive visits to distilleries in Scotland and wineries in France and Napa Valley further solidify his position as an experienced all-round advisor. Additionally, Pramod's role as Resident Representative and Advisor to the International Wines & Spirits Record (IWSR), a London-based research company that reports on the wines and spirits sector across 64 countries, adds a notable feather in his cap.

Education

Pramod graduated from the National Defense Academy, Kharakwasla, Pune with a Bachelor of Arts (Honors) from Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU). Additionally, he holds a Post Graduate Diploma in Marketing from IMM, New Delhi, enriching his expertise.