KFC & Pizza Hut operator Devyani International reappoints Manish Dawar as director, president & CEO

MUMBAI: Devyani International, the operator of KFC India and Pizza Hut India restaurants, has approved the reappointment of Manish Dawar as whole-time director, president and CEO for another three-year term.

The decision was cleared at the company’s board meeting held on 15 May 2026 and remains subject to shareholders’ approval at the upcoming annual general meeting. Dawar’s renewed tenure will come into effect from 17 February 2027, according to the company’s regulatory filing.

Dawar has been associated with Devyani International since 2021 and was elevated from chief financial officer to CEO earlier this year. Over the years, he has built experience across consumer goods, retail and telecom, having previously worked with companies including Hindustan Unilever, Reebok India, Reckitt Benckiser, Vedanta and Vodafone India.

Alongside Dawar’s reappointment, the company also announced a series of senior leadership changes across its India and international operations.

Gaurav Bhatnagar has been appointed executive vice-president and chief operating officer for India, with effect from 25 May 2026. Meanwhile, Pradeep Das has been redesignated as chief growth and international business officer from the same date.

Both executives will continue to be part of the company’s senior management team as Devyani International sharpens its focus on operational growth and international expansion.

The leadership reshuffle comes at a time when India’s quick service restaurant market is becoming increasingly competitive, with brands racing to balance aggressive expansion plans with profitability and evolving consumer tastes.

For Devyani International, the latest management changes suggest the company is looking to keep its kitchen running smoothly, even as the fast-food business turns into a high-speed battle for scale, loyalty and the last slice of market share.