Diageo India has appointed Varun Koorichh to the position of vice president, marketing - portfolio head premium and luxury. Varun has been part of Diageo since 2023, having previously held the role of vice president marketing - category head IMFL Brands. 

Prior to this, he accumulated more than 15 years of experience at PepsiCo, where he oversaw marketing operations for Mountain Dew and took on international positions including marketing director for global customers and global flavours.

Also Read: Asheesh Pandey as MD and CEO of Union Bank of India

His professional journey started at Perfect Relations in the role of associate image manager, after which he transitioned to PepsiCo India, taking on various marketing and regional leadership positions.

He brings comprehensive expertise from his work across India, the United States, and Ireland, covering areas such as brand management, international marketing, and product development.

Additionally, Diageo India has started building The Good Craft Co. (TGCC) Flavour Market in Ponda, Goa, which is described as the globe's largest venue devoted to Indian artisanal spirits. The facility will occupy 11 acres at the historical location where India's inaugural single malt was created, and the planned complex will include a craft distillery, nanobrewery, innovation laboratory, startup incubator, retail center, immersive experience facility, botanical pathways, and a storage vault for premium spirits.

Also Read: FM Links Pension Reforms to Atmanirbhar Bharat Vision

A groundbreaking ceremony took place recently at the location, signifying the subsequent stage of Diageo's TGCC initiative, which seeks to showcase Indian ingredients, heritage, and artistry.

This development expands upon the achievements of the TGCC Flavour Lab in Bengaluru, transforming it into a more comprehensive environment where creators, visitors, and aficionados can explore the complete range of Indian craft spirits.

 

The TGCC Flavour Market represents the following phase in Diageo India's artisanal strategy, coming after efforts including the introduction of Godawan, India's prize-winning single malt, and ongoing investments in domestic brands and cultural offerings that foster craft's future development.

Also Read: Shashikanth Someshwar to Lead Weber Shandwick India as CEO

Furthermore, Diageo India signed a partnership agreement with the Tourism and Hospitality Skill Council (THSC) to provide training for 300 students through its 'Learning for Life' initiative, preparing them for positions in hospitality, business, and service industries.

The signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) includes classroom training programs that will take place at THSC-affiliated facilities in Bengaluru, delivered by qualified trainers and evaluators.

Also Read: Panasonic Elevates Narayan Kumar as CBO of Newly Formed PIDEIN

This short-term skills development program targets jobless and disadvantaged young people, with a curriculum that follows the National Skill Qualification Framework (NSQF) standards. The training encompasses technical instruction, communication abilities, digital competency, and interpersonal skills to equip participants for employment in hospitality, business, and service fields, aiming to improve job prospects and address industry skills shortages.