United Spirits names Abanti Sankaranarayanan business head for luxury and corporate relations, India

United Spirits Limited (USL), the spirits company in India, and a subsidiary of Diageo plc has brought on board, Abanti Sankaranarayanan as the business head for luxury and corporate relations, India. With this move, Abanti joins the Executive Committee of USL. Abanti comes with an industry experience spanning over two decades. She has held the post of managing director of Diageo India since July 2012 and helped deliver double digit growth figures and high market share gains along with robust equity results.

Commenting on her appointment, Anand Kripalu, managing director and chief executive officer , USL says, “We are delighted to have a leader of Abanti’s talent and global calibre to lead our Luxury portfolio and drive our Corporate Relations efforts in India. Her extensive leadership experience and expertise will add strong momentum to the growth of USL’s business in India.”

On her appointment, Abanti Sankaranarayanan shares, “I am delighted to take up this new position at USL as we continue the journey to make USL the most trusted and respected consumer goods company in India.”

For the record, a new luxury unit is being set up in USL for the premium brands of the portfolio with the objective of maintaining Diageo’s premium brand leadership. The luxury business will encompass Diageo’s brands such as Johnnie Walker, Ciroc and the Single Malts.