PepsiCo has announced the elevation of Saakshi Verma Menon as Chief Marketing Officer (CMO), India Foods. This appointment marks a new and exciting chapter in her impactful journey with the global food and beverage leader.
In her new role, Saakshi will be responsible for driving the marketing strategy for PepsiCo’s India Foods portfolio, which includes some of India’s most beloved household brands such as Lay’s, Kurkure, Uncle Chipps, Quaker, Cheetos, and Doritos. Her leadership will be instrumental in steering brand growth, consumer engagement, and innovation across the diverse and competitive Indian market.
Saakshi steps into this elevated role from her previous position as Senior Marketing Director for Africa, Middle East & South Asia (AMESA), a role she held since January 2024. During her tenure, she played a pivotal role in shaping regional marketing strategies and delivering impactful results across multiple international markets.
Expressing her gratitude and excitement in a LinkedIn post, Saakshi said:
“I am thrilled to share that I will now be stepping into a new role within the PepsiCo family and leading the marketing mandate for India Foods as the Chief Marketing Officer. Super pumped to work on some of the most iconic and beloved brands from the house of PepsiCo – Lay’s, Kurkure, Uncle Chipps, Quaker, Cheetos and Doritos. These brands have been part of everyday moments for millions, and I’m excited to shape the next chapter of their journey.”
Before joining PepsiCo, Saakshi held key leadership roles across several top organizations, gaining expertise in FMCG, digital-first brands, and creative strategy. Her past roles include:
Marketing Director, Kimberly-Clark India
Head of Marketing & Digital Business, Nicobar Design Pvt. Ltd.
Head of Brand, Strategy & Campaigns, Uber India
General Manager, Creative Excellence & Sr. Brand Manager, The Coca-Cola Company
This multifaceted experience has equipped her with a deep understanding of evolving consumer behavior and brand-building in dynamic market environments.
With this elevation, PepsiCo reiterates its strong commitment to India as a core growth market and recognizes Saakshi’s strategic vision and leadership excellence. Her appointment as CMO will be pivotal in unlocking new opportunities for PepsiCo’s India Foods division and further strengthening its presence in the hearts and homes of Indian consumers.
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