Members

Gaurav Sabharwal joined Brown-Forman India as Managing Director in February 2024. He leads the business for India and neighboring countries. Having worked at Pernod Richard for more than 14 years at multiple leadership positions in India, Singapore and Dubai, he brings in extensive expertise in the beverage alcohol industry. In his first role, he had set up the international brands business for Pernod Ricard India. Prior to this, he worked with Diageo for seven years in commercial leadership roles across multiple regions in India. Gaurav holds a Management degree from the Management Development Institute, Gurgaon. He was the chairperson of EuroCham Singapore Wines & Spirits Committee and was made a Keeper of the Quaich in 2016.

Brown-Forman Corporation, is one of the largest American-owned spirits companies in the world and the owner of the world’s most valuable spirit brand, Jack Daniel’s. For more than 150 years, Brown Forman Corporation has enriched the experience of life by responsibly building fine-quality beverage alcohol brands, including Jack Daniel’s, Woodford Reserve, Old Forester, Coopers’ Craft, The GlenDronach, Benriach, Glenglassaugh and many more. Brown Forman’s brands are supported by approximately 5,600 employees globally and sold in more than 170 countries worldwide.

For more information about the company, please visit brown-forman.com. Follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram, and X.

Campari Group is a major player in the global spirits industry, with a portfolio of over 50 premium and super premium brands, spreading across Global, Regional and Local priorities.

Global Priorities, the Group’s key focus, include Aperol, Appleton Estate, Campari, SKYY, Wild Turkey and Grand Marnier. Campari Group was founded in 1860 and today is the sixth-largest player worldwide in the premium spirits industry. It has a global distribution reach, trading in over 190 nations around the world with leading positions in Europe and the Americas.

Headquartered in Milan, Italy, Campari Group owns 18 plants worldwide and has its own distribution network in 20 countries. Campari Group employs approximately 3,700 people.

A seasoned leader, Managing Director, Board Member, and C-suite Executive, with 24+ years of rich cross-cultural and emerging markets experience. His breadth of experience has given him the opportunity to work across functions and geographies in leading organizations. He has expertise in building global iconic brands, and creating local heroes.
He has had the privilege of working with and coaching some of the most talented people, delivering performance and achieving outcomes in a complex and volatile operating environment.

Mr. Misra brings a robust performance and people focus, strategic thinking, a proven change management track record, and an ‘outside-in’ approach. He has a passion for building a values-driven culture that creates a mindful and socially responsible organization. He believes in shaping the external operative environment by positively influencing policy frameworks that create growth opportunities and level playing fields.

Praveen Someshwar has joined Diageo India in 2025. With 3+ decades of experience in driving transformation, strategy and execution within the media and FMCG industries, he was the MD and CEO of HT Media. Additionally, he have had a 24-year career at PepsiCo, holding General Management, Finance, and Strategy roles across India and the Asia Pacific region and as the CEO of South Asia Beverages, where he expanded the company’s portfolio across India, Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan and Sri Lanka. As a dynamic business leader, he is committed to driving change and has a proven track record in business transformation and development across multiple markets.

Diageo India is among the country’s leading beverage alcohol companies with an outstanding portfolio of premium brands with a world class portfolio including premium brands such as Johnnie Walker, Black Dog, Antiquity, Signature, Smirnoff etc. Diageo India’s strength lies in the scale, the geographical diversity of the business and its continuous focus on innovations for the consumer. Incorporated in India as United Spirits Limited (USL), Diageo India is listed on both the National Stock Exchange (NSE) and Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE).

Mast Jägermeister is a family-owned company and is distributed in over 150 markets. The company is headquartered in the northern German town of Wolfenbüttel, with more than 1,000 employees employed worldwide.

Nitin joined Jägermeister India as General Manager for India BU in January 2020, where he heads the business for India and Subcontinent countries. With an experience of 24+ years across Sales, Marketing & General Management, his earlier stints include PepsiCo and Pernod Ricard India.

Sridhar Pongur brings a wealth of experience spanning over 37 years to his role as Chief Operating Officer, reflecting a versatile career across multiple industries. With a tenure of 18 years in the Alcobev industry, he has honed a keen understanding of market dynamics and consumer behaviors, essential for navigating the complexities of this sector.

His career began in market research, laying a robust analytical groundwork that would support his future endeavours. Sridhar’s professional journey notably includes a 12-year stint with The Times Group, where he significantly contributed to the media landscape. His media experience encompasses roles from print to television, culminating in a pivotal position as Vice President, South for ZEE Network channels. This breadth of experience facilitated a seamless transition to the Alcobev industry.

Joining John Distilleries initially as VP of Sales & Marketing, Sridhar’s strategic acumen and leadership skills propelled him to the role of Chief Operating Officer. In this capacity, he now directs the company’s operations, driving growth and operational excellence.

John Distilleries, established in 1996, rapidly emerged as a leading Alcobev company within a decade, achieving a significant global presence. Under the leadership of Chairman Paul P. John, the company boasts an extensive portfolio spanning Whisky, Brandy, Gin, Rum, Premium Wines, and Single Malts.

Notably, Paul John Single Malts, introduced internationally in 2012, have consistently received acclaim from whisky critics for their exquisite craftsmanship and flavour profiles. With over 1000 dedicated employees across 10 manufacturing units in India, John Distilleries prioritizes career growth, work-life balance, and competitive compensation. Their recent alliance with Sazerac Company, the largest family-owned spirits company in the USA, positions them for further innovation and global expansion. Their unwavering commitment to quality, innovation, and enhancing consumer experiences fuels their continued success.

Moët Hennessy India Private Limited (MHI) is a subsidiary of Moët Hennessy, part of LVMH – Louis Vuitton —Moët Hennessy, the world’s leading luxury group. In India, the company is involved in import, sales and marketing of MH luxury portfolio of wines and spirits, besides running the Chandon winery in Nashik.

Siddharth joins Moët Hennessy as Managing Director, bringing over 24 years of leadership experience across FMCG and Alco-Bev sectors. He has held key leadership roles at PepsiCo, Pernod Ricard, Diageo, The Coca-Cola Company (HCCB), and previously at Moët Hennessy India as Sales Director for India & South Asia. Known for driving growth, building high-performing teams, and leading strategic initiatives, Siddharth will spearhead the next phase of innovation and expansion for Moët Hennessy.

Jean Touboul, CEO at Pernod Ricard India, brings over 18 years of industry experience and a strong background in business and financial management. Jean’s tenure with the Pernod Ricard Group began in 2004 when he joined as the Financial Controller and Internal Auditor of Pernod Ricard Europe. His strong financial acumen and expertise have been instrumental in driving the company’s financial performance and ensuring operational excellence. Before joining Pernod Ricard India, Jean held various key positions within the Pernod Ricard group. Jean’s impressive career journey includes holding significant leadership roles in Eastern Europe and Headquarters. In 2014, he moved to Asia and assumed the role of Managing Director for Taiwan, where he made substantial contributions to the company’s success. Later, he served as Chairman and CEO of Pernod Ricard Korea. In 2021, Jean was appointed as the Managing Director for South-East Asia, further showcasing his ability to lead in diverse and challenging business environments. Additionally, Jean serves as the President of the Indo-French Chamber of Commerce & Industry, where he plays a pivotal role in fostering bilateral trade relations between India and France.

Pernod Ricard India Pvt Ltd is a fully owned subsidiary of Pernod Ricard SA. Globally, Pernod Ricard is the No.2 worldwide producer of wines and spirits with consolidated sales of €8,824 million in FY21. Pernod Ricard India is a fast-growing multinational alcohol beverage company delivering quality products to its consumers across the country.

Glenfiddich, the world’s most awarded single malt Scotch whisky is brought to you by this family-owned Scottish business. Established in 1887 by William Grant, the company is now run by his descendants.

Managing Director, India, William Grant and Sons India Private Limited

Kartik Mohindra is the Managing Director, India, at William Grant & Sons, one of the world’s leading family-owned premium spirits companies. With over 26 years of experience spanning marketing, sales, and global expansion across alcohol, beverage and FMCG sectors, he has been instrumental in driving category innovation and business growth across multiple international markets. In his current role, Kartik is responsible for accelerating the company’s growth ambitions in one of the world’s most dynamic premium spirits markets. He leads the strategic expansion and cultural relevance of the company’s award-winning portfolio.

Prior to William Grant & Sons India, Kartik served as Chief Marketing Officer and Head of Global Business Development at Pernod Ricard India. Known for combining commercial acumen with deep consumer insight, Kartik has built a reputation for transforming brands into cultural icons and driving sustainable business growth.