Brands
Anshul Asawa to take the helm at DMart as CEO from February
MUMBAI: Avenue Supermarts, the company behind the ever-busy DMart aisles, has lined up a smooth handover at the top. Anshul Asawa has been appointed chief executive officer and key managerial personnel, effective 1 February 2026, following approval by the board and its nomination and remuneration committee.
Asawa, who is currently CEO designate, will also step into the role of managing director from 1 April 2026 for a three-year term, subject to shareholder approval. The move signals a carefully planned leadership transition at one of India’s most admired retail success stories, underscoring its focus on governance and long-term succession rather than sudden shifts.
With nearly three decades at Unilever behind him, Asawa brings global polish and operational grit in equal measure. His career spans senior leadership roles across India, Europe and Southeast Asia, including stints as general manager for Home Care in Greater Asia, head of Unilever Thailand, and global vice president for digital, e-commerce and customer development. From building billion-rupee brands to expanding rural distribution and scaling e-commerce channels, his résumé reads like a masterclass in consumer business.
For DMart, known for quiet consistency rather than loud reinvention, Asawa’s appointment blends experience with intent. It is less about changing the tune and more about ensuring the music plays on, steadily, profitably and for the long haul.
Brands
Devyani International names Sandeep Anand, Robinder Singh in key roles
Pizza Hut and Costa Coffee businesses see leadership refresh from April
MUMBAI: Devyani International has strengthened its senior leadership bench with a fresh set of appointments across its key brands, Pizza Hut and Costa Coffee, signalling a sharper focus on growth and brand momentum.
The company has appointed Sandeep Anand as chief marketing officer and business head for Pizza Hut. His appointment, approved by the board via a circular resolution on April 3, follows a recommendation by the Nomination and Remuneration Committee, as reported by CNBC-TV18. Anand will officially step into the role on April 6, 2026.
He takes over from Vijay Gogate, who currently serves as chief executive officer for Pizza Hut within the company’s operations. The move marks a strategic transition as the brand looks to sharpen its marketing and business playbook in a competitive quick service restaurant market.
Anand brings over two decades of experience across the food and FMCG sectors, with a strong track record in brand building and innovation. His career spans roles at major consumer-facing companies including Domino’s, Zydus Wellness, Zomato, GSK Consumer Healthcare, Reckitt and Ranbaxy, giving him a well-rounded perspective on both scale and agility.
Alongside this, Robinder Singh has been appointed business head for Costa Coffee and the company’s airport operations. He too will assume his new role on April 6, bringing more than 18 years of experience in operations, business expansion and customer experience transformation.
The twin appointments come at a time when Devyani International is doubling down on leadership depth to steer its portfolio through evolving consumer preferences and heightened competition. With fresh faces at the helm of two key verticals, the company appears set to brew up its next phase of growth with renewed energy.
