PEPSICO ELEVATES AMIT KUMAR NANCHAHAL TO LEAD BRAND COMMUNICATIONS FOR INTERNATIONAL BEVERAGES

PepsiCo has promoted Amit Kumar Nanchahal to Brand Communications Head – International Beverages, overseeing Sting Energy and Mountain Dew. With over two decades in strategic communications and sustainability, Nanchahal’s career spans PepsiCo, Ola, SABMiller India, and the Confederation of Indian Industry, marking a significant leadership move in global brand storytelling.

PepsiCo has announced the elevation of Amit Kumar Nanchahal to Brand Communications Head – International Beverages, a role that places him at the helm of communications for two of the company’s most dynamic beverage brands, Sting Energy and Mountain Dew. Nanchahal confirmed the development on LinkedIn, underscoring the significance of this new chapter in his career and the broader communications strategy of PepsiCo’s international beverage portfolio.

This appointment reflects PepsiCo’s continued emphasis on strengthening its brand narratives in the highly competitive global energy and soft drinks market. Sting Energy and Mountain Dew, both positioned as bold, youthful, and high-energy brands, demand a communications leader adept at blending creativity with strategic clarity. Nanchahal’s track record in corporate communications and sustainability makes him a natural fit for the role, as PepsiCo seeks to deepen consumer engagement and reinforce its global beverage identity.

Before this elevation, Nanchahal served as Head of Corporate Communications for India and South Asia, a position in which he played a pivotal role in shaping PepsiCo’s regional narrative. Over his seven-year tenure with the company, he has been instrumental in driving communications strategies that balance corporate responsibility with brand dynamism. His work has consistently highlighted PepsiCo’s commitment to sustainability, innovation, and cultural resonance, aligning the company’s messaging with both consumer expectations and corporate values.

Nanchahal’s career spans more than two decades, marked by leadership roles across diverse industries. Prior to joining PepsiCo, he worked with Ola (ANI Technologies Pvt Ltd) for two years, where he contributed to the communications framework of one of India’s most disruptive mobility platforms. His longest stint was at SABMiller India, where he spent over nine years, honing his expertise in beverage industry communications and stakeholder engagement. Earlier in his career, he also worked with the Confederation of Indian Industry for nearly three years, gaining valuable experience in policy advocacy and industry representation.

This trajectory reflects a professional who has consistently operated at the intersection of business impact and narrative strategy. At PepsiCo, his new role will demand not only the amplification of brand voices across international markets but also the ability to navigate the complexities of consumer perception in an era of heightened competition and evolving preferences. Energy drinks and youth-focused beverages are among the fastest-growing categories globally, and effective brand communications are critical to sustaining momentum.

Nanchahal’s appointment also signals PepsiCo’s recognition of communications as a strategic lever in brand building. In recent years, the company has invested heavily in campaigns that blend cultural storytelling with product innovation, from bold advertising to digital-first engagement. With Sting Energy and Mountain Dew, the challenge lies in maintaining their edgy, adventurous positioning while ensuring resonance across diverse geographies. Nanchahal’s experience in both corporate and consumer-facing communications equips him to strike this balance, ensuring that PepsiCo’s messaging remains consistent yet adaptable.

Industry observers note that such leadership moves are increasingly vital as global beverage companies compete not just on taste or price but on brand identity and cultural relevance. For PepsiCo, the elevation of a seasoned communicator like Nanchahal underscores its commitment to aligning internal leadership with external brand ambitions. His expertise in sustainability also adds a crucial dimension, as consumers worldwide demand greater accountability from brands in terms of environmental and social impact.

As he steps into this new role, Nanchahal carries forward a legacy of communications leadership that has spanned corporate, consumer, and industry domains. His journey from policy corridors at the Confederation of Indian Industry to the fast-paced world of beverages and mobility reflects a career defined by adaptability and vision. At PepsiCo, his challenge will be to translate this experience into narratives that not only energize consumers but also reinforce the company’s global stature.

The announcement has already drawn attention within industry circles, with many viewing it as a strategic move to bolster PepsiCo’s international beverage communications at a time when brand differentiation is more critical than ever. For Nanchahal, it represents both recognition of his contributions and an opportunity to shape the future of two of PepsiCo’s most iconic beverage brands on the global stage.