Highlights of Business Today 29th September 2024 issue:

When Hina Nagarajan took the reins of Diageo India (United Spirits Ltd) in 2021, she faced a formidable challenge. Diageo plc, the $27-billion UK-based alcoholic beverage giant, had acquired United Spirits from embattled liquor tycoon Vijay Mallya in 2014, but the company remained on shaky ground. Legal disputes, rising debt, and fierce competition from rivals like Pernod Ricard compounded the difficulties. As Diageo India's Managing Director & CEO, Nagarajan, 59, the first and only woman to lead a liquor company in India, set out to transform the business.

Her strategy hinged on two key pillars: a decisive shift towards premiumisation and a departure from the mass-market ‘popular’ segment. Innovation also plays a central role in her approach, as she works to steer Diageo India back to stability and growth.

In this cover story, we delve into the transformation of Diageo India under Nagarajan's leadership, examining the bold steps she's taking to revitalise the brand. All this and more in the latest issue of Business Today—on stands now.