Odia people are not only occupying top government spots in India, but they have started occupying top corporate jobs in the country.
Sushant Dash will join Tata Starbucks as CEO Designate effective April 1, 2021 and take over as CEO on May 1, 2021, Tata Consumer Products said in a statement.
Another Odia, Siddhartha Mohanty took charge as the new Managing Director of Life Insurance Corporation of India on February 1.
Dash will replace Navin Gurnaney, who has made the decision to pursue an opportunity outside of the company.
Dash joins Tata Starbucks from Tata Consumer Products where he is currently President – Packaged Beverages Business, India, Bangladesh, and Middle East.
Over the last 20 years with the company, he has been instrumental in growing the branded tea business to its current leadership position.
In 2012, Dash was on the core team that opened the first Tata Starbucks store in India and was directly responsible for the strategy and marketing of the Starbucks brand in the country, the statement said.
Sara Trilling, President, Starbucks Asia Pacific, said, “We are pleased to welcome Sushant, a recognized leader in growing retail businesses and brands through locally-relevant initiatives. India is a strategic market for Starbucks, and we remain committed to the long-term in the country.”
A marketing and branding whiz, Sushant has led several successful campaigns and product launches across geographies.
In an interview to Tata Sphere in 2017 he had said Fitness, sports and food — in that order — is what helps him to unwind. Trekking, scuba diving and driving holidays are his other passions.
Dash finished his graduation in Economics and Statistics from Ravenshaw College, Cuttack in 1994 and then completed his management from Mudra Institute of Communication Ahmedabad in 1996.
He started his career as Associate Research Director in ORG MARG and joined Tata Tea in 2001.
