Date:18/05/2004 URL: http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/2004/05/18/stories/2004051801160900.htm

Back Deepak Chaudhuri to succeed Shamsuddin as SWC President

Our Bureau

Bangalore , May 17

SHAW Wallace has announced that Mr Deepak Chaudhuri, Head of Traditional Businesses, will takeover as the President of the core liquor business with effect from April 1, 2005. He will succeed Mr A.K.M.A. Shamsuddin who is retiring.

The company today said it has already inducted Mr Chaudhuri as Joint President of Liquor Division even as it extended Mr Shamsuddin's term as President - till March 31, 2005.

Mr Shamsuddin who was slated to retire in September 2004 will continue with the group as advisor even after the expiry of his extended term as President Liquor Division. He will take up assignment as advisor to the group for another 18 months in view of his long association with Shaw Wallace spanning over 35 years and his deep understanding of the market.

According to Mr Prakash Nanani, Chief Operating Officer, Jumbo Group - India Operations, the move is aimed at better succession planning and seamless implementation of the vision outlined by Ms V.M. Chhabria, Chairperson - Jumbo Group. In a recent communication to all Shaw Wallace executives, Ms Chhabria had articulated the group's priority of working towards making Shaw Wallace India's most profitable liquor company with double revenues and triple profits in three years.

In his new assignment as Joint President of Liquor Division, Mr Chaudhuri will be responsible for a range of brands across segments such as White spirits, a clutch of brown spirit rands including Director's Special and International brands (trading business). For all these brands he will report to Mr Shamsuddin.

Mr Chaudhuri is currently spearheading Shaw Wallace's foray into country liquor and was in-charge of the beer business of the company till May last year when Shaw Wallace formed a joint venture with leading global brewer, SABMiller.

Mr Chaudhuri will continue to be responsible for country liquor and traditional businesses that include Narmada Gelatines and agri business. Mr Chaudhuri joined Shaw Wallace a couple of years ago prior to which he occupied key posts in leading Indian brewer, United Breweries (UB).