Diageo is asking for departures from several senior executives as CEO Dave Lewis drives a restructuring of the struggling UK spirits group. Employees were told at meetings this week that Ed Pilkington, North America chief marketing and innovation officer, along with Africa president Hina Nagarajan and chief human resources officer Louise Prashad, will leave the business. The move signals how fast Lewis, known as a turnaround specialist, is overhauling the Johnnie Walker and Guinness maker’s leadership setup.
Karnataka, a top high-tax alcohol market, plans to scrap government price controls and move to strength-based excise taxation from April 2026. The shift would let liquor firms set prices and replace tax slabs with a strength-linked structure, potentially altering margins and consumer prices. The move comes as premium liquor demand continues to lift results for players like United Spirits.
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India’s competition watchdog has begun an antitrust probe into French liquor giant Pernod Ricard after complaints alleging exclusive arrangements with New Delhi retailers. The Competition Commission of India found merit in claims that financial support was offered to retailers in return for stocking Pernod brands. Officials warn this could distort demand patterns and restrict consumer choice.
B9 Beverages, the parent of craft beer brand Bira 91, has received a legal notice from Hindusthan National Glass & Industries alleging over ₹8 crore in defaulted payments. The new trouble compounds existing problems including investor disputes and delayed salaries. Production is currently suspended as founder Ankur Jain negotiates his exit, following a sharp net loss in FY24.
Radico Khaitan has resumed liquor exports to the Gulf after shipments were halted in March and April amid regional conflict. The company says deliveries are restarting gradually, while growth in other markets such as Africa and Asia-Pacific helped cushion the slowdown. The move comes after Radico Khaitan logged record export sales in the previous fiscal year.
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