Aanandita Dutta has been appointed as Vice President – Marketing & Category Head at Diageo India, bringing with her nearly two decades of diverse brand-building and leadership experience across the FMCG and QSR sectors. She transitions into this role from Yum! Brands, where she served as the Chief Marketing Officer for Pizza Hut India Subcontinent, spearheading marketing strategy, disruptive product launches, and market expansion to strengthen the brand’s appeal among younger consumers.
With over 19 years of expertise, Aanandita has crafted a career rooted in deep consumer insight, sharp analytical skills, and a passion for purposeful storytelling. At Unilever, she held multiple leadership positions, including Global Brand Director, where she managed a €1.3 billion portfolio and drove global brand equity, positioning, and innovation for Lipton. Earlier, as Head of Marketing for Brand Unilever in India, she played a pivotal role in corporate brand communication, sustainability initiatives, and strategic government and UN partnerships in the area of health and hygiene.
Her journey also includes impactful tenures at GlaxoSmithKline Consumer Healthcare, where she was instrumental in the launch and growth of Sensodyne in India, and with the Horlicks portfolio, leading its largest-ever relaunch. At Whirlpool of India, she began her career in brand management, driving premium positioning and customer engagement strategies. Across these assignments, she has successfully built and scaled categories, from Green Tea and Sensitive Oral Care to mature health food and refreshment brands.
Aanandita describes herself as “a storyteller with a curious mind,” with a personal purpose rooted in exploring the unknown and inspiring others. Known for her ability to lead teams in dynamic, fast-paced environments, she thrives on guiding organizations through complex challenges and driving growth by blending creativity with data-driven strategy. In her new role at Diageo India, she will focus on shaping brand narratives, accelerating category growth, and strengthening consumer connections in an evolving marketplace.