CocaCola names T Krishnakumar as India chief

Coca-Cola India on Friday announced that T Krishnakumar will take over as president of the company’s India and South West Asia operations from Venkatesh Kini.

Krishnakumar is currently chief executive officer and South West Asia regional director of Hindustan Coca-Cola Beverages Pvt Ltd, the company-owned bottling unit. The appointment is effective May 1. Kini, who has been president of the Atlantabased beverages company’s India and South West Asia business since July 1, 2013, has quit.

“I have decided to go back to the US and look for opportunities outside,” said Kini, who will continue for three more months to handle the transition.

While Coca-Cola did not specify reasons for Kini’s exit, two people in the know indicated that falling sales was the key reason.

KK joined the company in 2004. His current role will be split. Coca-Cola has decided to appoint Christina Ruggiero as CEO of Hindustan Coca-Cola Beverages. Ruggiero is currently chief procurement officer for the CocaCola System in North America, and president and CEO for Bottlers’ Sales & Services, LLC.

Vamsi Mohan, who currently serves as BIG’s region director for Vietnam, Myanmar and Cambodia, will take over as South West Asia regional director for Hindustan Coca-Cola Beverages, the company said.