Brands
Ajay Devgn takes a swing at India’s whisky drinkers
MUMBAI: Hindi cinema stars launching whisky brands is hardly novel. Ajay Devgn is having a crack anyway. The actor and entrepreneur has co-founded The GlenJourneys, a single malt scotch brand developed with premium spirits outfit Cartel Bros, which launched its Cask Series in India in October with the ambitious goal of capturing 20 per cent of the country’s luxury single malt segment within two years.
The brand made its global debut with the Pioneer Edition, a 21-year-old Highland single malt priced at Rs 50,000 and limited to 600 bottles worldwide, available only in select international duty-free shops. The India launch takes a more accessible approach. The Cask Series—finished in rum, bourbon and sherry casks—is priced at Rs 6,409 and crafted specifically for the domestic market, which is growing at seven per cent year-on-year.
Maharashtra gets first dibs. The GlenJourneys has targeted 10,000 cases in the state by the end of this financial year, with rollouts planned for Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Goa and Chandigarh in November 2025, followed by other metros in early 2026. The brand has positioned itself as bridging tradition and modernity, appealing to both seasoned collectors and younger drinkers exploring premium spirits.
Living Liquidz and Mansionz founder and Cartel Bros co-founder Mokksh Sani delivered the expected patter about craftsmanship. “Age refines a whisky—but a great cask defines it,” he said, claiming each expression in the Cask Series reveals “distinctive character” that sets it apart from conventional single malts. Devgn chimed in with talk of tradition meeting innovation and “the quiet power of time, wood, and artistry.”
The GlenJourneys comes backed by Cartel Bros’ track record. The company makes The Glenwalk Scotch Whisky, which won gold at Mexico’s Spirits Selection Awards and best single malt scotch at the India Wines & Spirits Awards 2025. Whether those accolades translate into market share is another question entirely.
India’s premium whisky segment is crowded with international heavyweights like Johnnie Walker, Chivas Regal and Glenfiddich, alongside domestic players pushing upmarket. Celebrity endorsements open doors but don’t guarantee shelf space or repeat purchases. Devgn’s star power may generate initial buzz, but sustaining a 20 per cent market share target in a competitive, slow-growing category requires more than name recognition.
The brand’s pricing strategy suggests pragmatism. At Rs 6,409, The GlenJourneys Cask Series sits below ultra-premium territory whilst claiming luxury credentials through cask finishing and Scottish provenance. It’s a crowded middle ground where execution matters more than marketing spin. Whether Indian whisky drinkers buy into Devgn’s vision—or simply buy the bottle once out of curiosity—will become clear soon enough.
Brands
IndiGo names William Walsh CEO
Former IATA chief to take charge in August after Elbers exit, Bhatia steers interim
India’s biggest airline has moved fast and gone global. InterGlobe Aviation, which operates IndiGo, has tapped aviation heavyweight William Walsh as chief executive officer, subject to regulatory approvals, marking a sharp pivot as the carrier eyes its next burst of expansion.
Walsh, currently director general at the International Air Transport Association, will step down on July 31, 2026, and is expected to take charge by August 3. The appointment comes barely three weeks after Pieter Elbers exited the corner office, with Rahul Bhatia holding the fort in the interim.
The choice signals intent. Walsh brings decades of cockpit-to-boardroom experience, having led British Airways and later International Airlines Group, the parent of Aer Lingus, Iberia and Vueling. His tenure across carriers has been defined by hard resets, restructurings and cross-border consolidation—skills IndiGo may need as competition intensifies and scale becomes decisive.
Vikram Singh Mehta, chairman and non-executive independent director of IndiGo, said Walsh’s experience in managing large-scale airline operations and navigating complex market dynamics makes him well-suited to lead IndiGo in an increasingly competitive global aviation environment, adding that the appointment marks a new chapter as the airline scales in one of the world’s fastest-growing markets.
Rahul Bhatia said Walsh’s global perspective, operational expertise and customer-focused approach would be critical as IndiGo enters its next phase of expansion.
Walsh, widely regarded as one of the industry’s most influential figures, will oversee overall management and strategic direction, with a mandate spanning operational performance, network expansion, commercial strategy and customer experience. He is expected to work closely with the board and leadership team to sharpen IndiGo’s growth trajectory.
Walsh said IndiGo has a strong foundation and is well-positioned to capitalise on the evolving aviation landscape, adding that he looks forward to fostering a culture of excellence, innovation and sustainable value creation across the organisation.
A new captain, a bigger runway—and a market that rewards scale. IndiGo is lining up for its next take-off.
