Bacardi appoints Mahesh Kanchan as Managing Director, India and Southeast Asia
Succeeds Vinay Golikeri, who steps up into the Regional President role for Asia, Middle East and Africa (AMEA) and Global Travel Retail (GTR), Bacardi
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Published: Jul 14, 2026 12:58 PM | 2 min read
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- Mahesh Kanchan has been appointed Managing Director for India and Southeast Asia at Bacardi, effective October 1, succeeding Vinay Golikeri, who has been promoted to Regional President for AMEA and Global Travel Retail.
- Vinay Golikeri expressed pride in his leadership of the India and Southeast Asia region and emphasized the importance of India in Bacardi's strategy moving forward.
- Mahesh Kanchan, previously Managing Director for Southeast Asia, brings over 30 years of experience in the alcoholic beverages and FMCG industries and will lead Bacardi's growth in India.
- India remains a critical market for Bacardi, known for its strong growth potential and as a source of leadership talent within the company.
Mahesh Kanchan has been appointed Managing Director, India and Southeast Asia, Bacardi, effective 1 October. He succeeds Vinay Golikeri, who has been promoted to Regional President for Asia, Middle East and Africa (AMEA) and Global Travel Retail (GTR), following more than three years leading the India and Southeast Asia region and more than twenty years with Bacardi.
“It’s been a privilege to lead the India business and I’m proud of the momentum we’ve built and the strength of the team,” says Vinay Golikeri. “India remains a critical market for Bacardi, and I look forward to continuing to work closely with Mahesh to build on this progress as part of my wider AMEA role.”
Mahesh Kanchan, currently Managing Director, Southeast Asia, brings more than 30 years of experience, across both alcoholic beverages and Fast Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) industries. Having played an instrumental role in strengthening the business across the region and laying the foundations for future success, Mahesh will now take on day-to-day leadership of India and Southeast Asia. He will lead the next phase of growth for Bacardi in India, a market that continues to play a critical role in the family-owned company’s long-term strategy.
“I’m excited to take on this role at a time of significant opportunity for Bacardi in India,” says Mahesh Kanchan. “We have a strong team, clear momentum and a business well positioned for its next phase of growth.”
India is a key market for Bacardi, underpinned by a long history in the country, continued investment and strong growth momentum. It is also a proven source of talent for Bacardi globally, having produced a number of senior leaders across the organization, including the Bacardi Limited Chief Executive Officer, Mahesh Madhavan, and remains an important pipeline of future leadership for the business.
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