United Spirits appoints Anand Kripalu as next MD an CEO

United Spirits Ltd (USL) today said its board has appointed Anand Kripalu as CEO-Designate of USL with effect from 1 October 2013 and he will assume charge as MD and  CEO on May 1 2014.

"Anand Kripalu will be appointed CEO-Designate of USL with effect from October 1, 2013. Anand will officially become Managing Director and CEO on May 1, 2014, succeeding Ashok Capoor, currently President and Managing Director of USL,"United Spirits said in a statement.

Commenting on the development, Chairman of USL Vijay Mallya and Diageo PLC Asia Pacific President Gilbert Ghostine said: "Anand brings with him an outstanding track record of over 30 years in building, leading and transforming businesses in the FMCG sector.

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"His extensive leadership experience and expertise in emerging markets make him a strong asset to the future growth of the business in India and both USL and Diageo brands. We look forward to working closely together to take the business to even greater heights."

Kripalu was formerly President, India and South Asia, at Mondelez International where he played a key role in leading Mondelez after the Cadbury acquisition by Kraft in India, it added. Prior to this he spent 22 years in the Unilever Group where he held various senior sales and marketing roles.

Ashok Capoor will continue his tenure as President and Managing Director of USL until April 30, 2014. Following this, he will be appointed as President, Strategy of United Spirits for a year with effect from 1 May 2014, USL said.

"In this role, he will work with Vijay Mallya, Chairman of USL, and Gilbert Ghostine, President, Asia Pacific, Diageo PLC," it added.