United Breweries appoints Vivek Gupta as Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer

United Breweries (UBL), part of the HEINEKEN Company, has appointed Vivek Gupta as managing director and CEO effective 25 September 2023. At 47 years old, Vivek is an engineering graduate with a Master’s in business management from IIM, Ahmedabad.

Vivek spent over two decades in leadership and commercial roles at P&G, working across various categories, from everyday consumption to premium categories. His last position with P&G was as Managing Director of Australia and New Zealand. He joins UBL from India’s fastest-growing unicorn, Udaan.com. As Chief Business Officer, he helped build India’s most significant and disruptive e-B2B business.

Along with the UBL leadership team, Vivek will be responsible for driving sustainable growth for the company. He will lead the premiumisation of UBL’s portfolio, including strengthening the iconicity of Kingfisher.

Jacco van der Linden, Regional President APAC of HEINEKEN, and Member of the UBL Board, said: “We are thrilled to have Vivek lead UBL at such a critical time. We recognise his resilience in building businesses and brands at a fast pace and in a complex environment. He brings solid global experience deeply rooted in India and has had substantial success in commercial and complex companies in traditional and digital environments.”

Anand Kripalu, an Independent Member of UBL’s Board of Directors, comments: “On behalf of the Board, we welcome Vivek, a youthful and yet seasoned leader for UBL. Embracing innovation and respecting tradition, our incoming CEO is the perfect blend. His leadership promises to be refreshing - with the potential to transform and leave a lasting impression on the Indian beer industry.”

Vivek Gupta, incoming managing director and CEO of UBL concludes: “It is an honor to stand on the shoulders of greatness and lead UBL into the future. I feel privileged to be entrusted with one of India’s most iconic brands, the Kingfisher beer and the world’s most international brand, Heineken®. I look forward to the journey ahead with the UBL leadership and our colleagues as we brew greatness together.