Verlinvest, the global investment firm focused on scaling consumer brands, has announced the appointment of Ashish Lingamneni as Operating Partner in India. This strategic move strengthens Verlinvest’s leadership team and underscores its commitment to accelerating investments, supporting portfolio founders, and scaling emerging consumer brands across FMCG and digital platforms.
Lingamneni brings over 15 years of leadership experience spanning consumer internet platforms, marketing, product, and customer growth. Prior to joining Verlinvest, he served as Vice President at Swiggy, leading large teams across media, social, creative, content, product marketing, sustainability, and corporate communications for nearly six years. He has also held senior marketing and leadership roles at Ola, Johnson & Johnson, and other FMCG and consulting firms.
The appointment coincides with Nishad Kenkre’s transition from Operating Partner to Chief Business Officer at Verlinvest portfolio company Heads Up for Tails, ensuring continuity within the Operating Partner division while strengthening support for Verlinvest’s Indian portfolio companies.
Arjun Anand, Managing Director and Head of Asia at Verlinvest, said:
“We’re delighted to welcome Ashish to the Verlinvest team in India. Verlinvest has built a strong track record partnering with founders who are building and scaling category-defining consumer businesses globally. As we continue to double down on the India market and ramp up our partnerships with our founders in India, Ashish’s experience and insights will be an invaluable asset to the growth of our portfolio companies.”
“I’m also very grateful to Nishad, for setting up the Operating Partner division for Verlinvest in India over the last few years and developing the playbook of partnering hand-in-hand with our portfolio companies to drive real value creation. His transition into a full-time operating role at one of our own portfolio brands, after an impactful stint as Operating Partner, further bolsters our commitment to seamlessly partnering with our portfolio founders on talent and growth. We are delighted to see him pursue his passion for building in pet care and feel reassured that he will continue to remain part of the Verlinvest family,” said Anand.
Lingamneni commented:
“I’m excited to join Verlinvest in the new role as Operating Partner. India’s investing landscape is rapidly evolving at present and presenting a wealth of exciting new opportunities to explore for emerging brands and entrepreneurs. I look forward to working closely with founders and leadership teams to tap these upcoming opportunities and build lasting brands that can thrive in the modern Indian consumer market.”
With this appointment, Verlinvest reinforces its commitment to scaling emerging consumer brands in India, leveraging deep expertise and hands-on support for portfolio founders across sectors.
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