DESTINY'S CHILD
Business Today India|March 17, 2024
From youthful freedom to success as a top executive, Varun Jaipuria has ensured the family-run Varun Beverages is in able, strong hands
Arnab Dutta
DESTINY'S CHILD

IN 2009, WHEN Varun Jaipuria returned to India, fresh from completing his studies in the UK, the idea of diving into his family's business seemed distant. Instead, he longed to savour a year of youthful freedom and exploration. But destiny wanted him to walk a different path.

Hailing from a traditional Marwari family, Jaipuria was tasked with overseeing the family's bottling business in Sri Lanka. Fast forward 15 years, and as the Executive Vice Chairman of Varun Beverages (VBL) now, he has plenty to celebrate. Steering a family business to unparalleled success is no easy feat, yet Jaipuria has achieved what many second-and third-generation businessmen still strive for. At the age of 36, he is one of the youngest recipients of the BT-PwC India's Best CEOs award. He has won in the FMCG category.

Unlike many modern entrepreneurs who flourish in the limelight, Jaipuria prefers to operate away from media attention. However, when it comes to discussing the intricacies of his business in person, he sheds his reserved demeanour.

Consider this: in an age when health-conscious consumers are increasingly eschewing sugary aerated beverages, Jaipuria's VBL, responsible for bottling and distributing nearly the entirety of PepsiCo India's beverage portfolio, has experienced remarkable growth. Between 2021 and 2023, the company's top line surged at a 35% CAGR, soaring from ₹8,958 crore to ₹16,321 crore. Under Jaipuria's direct leadership as CEO of its India and South Asia operations, revenues nearly doubled in two years, from ₹6,596 crore in 2021 to ₹12,633 crore in 2023. Furthermore, despite widespread concerns about inflation, VBL has also managed to improve its margins: from 7.42% in 2019, its standalone net profit margin has jumped to 14.05% in 2023.

This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM BUSINESS TODAY INDIAView all
"Moving to cloud helped us grow❞
Business Today India

"Moving to cloud helped us grow❞

What was the problem you were grappling with?

time-read
1 min  |
November 24, 2024
She's Got Time
Business Today India

She's Got Time

MORE WOMEN ARE BECOMING WATCH CONNOISSEURS, SEEKING OUT BOTH JEWELLED AND TECHNICAL WATCHES FOR THEIR STYLE AND CRAFTSMANSHIP

time-read
3 mins  |
November 24, 2024
RISING STAR
Business Today India

RISING STAR

PARUL GULATI IS a name that's been steadily gaining prominence in the Indian entertainment industry after she appeared on season 2 of Shark Tank in 2023. She has become a multifaceted personality who effortlessly transitions between acting and entrepreneurship.

time-read
1 min  |
November 24, 2024
Building on a Legacy
Business Today India

Building on a Legacy

WHEN ZAHABIYA KHORAKIWALA stepped into her role as Managing Director of Wockhardt Hospitals over a decade ago, she confronted formidable challenges that have since turned into achievements.

time-read
1 min  |
November 24, 2024
LEADER IN INNOVATION
Business Today India

LEADER IN INNOVATION

AS FEDEX'S PRESIDENT (Middle East, Indian subcontinent and Africa), Kami Viswanathan has a lot on her plate.

time-read
1 min  |
November 24, 2024
WAITING IN THE WINGS
Business Today India

WAITING IN THE WINGS

Here are those who missed out as they have not yet completed a year in office; they'll be strong contenders in 2025

time-read
1 min  |
November 24, 2024
A DECENT PROPOSAL
Business Today India

A DECENT PROPOSAL

IN TODAY'S WORLD OF TRYING TO CREATE AN EQUITABLE SPACE, BOTH MEN AND WOMEN CONTRIBUTE TO THEIR HOUSEHOLDS. WOMEN ARE ENCOURAGED TO HAVE THEIR OWN SAVINGS POOL AND INVESTMENT ROUTINE. GIVEN THIS, HOW SHOULD FUTURE BRIDES APPROACH FINANCIAL PLANNING?

time-read
5 mins  |
November 24, 2024
Women and the STEM Bias
Business Today India

Women and the STEM Bias

EMPOWERING WOMEN IN STEM WILL NOT ONLY BENEFIT INDIVIDUALS, BUT ALSO STRENGTHEN THE ENTIRE INDUSTRY, DRIVING INNOVATION AND PROGRESS.

time-read
3 mins  |
November 24, 2024
ROCKET WOMEN
Business Today India

ROCKET WOMEN

WOMEN IN INDIA ARE NOT ONLY VENTURING INTO SPACE BUT ARE ALSO STARTING TO SPEARHEAD THE COUNTRY'S EFFORTS IN THE GLOBAL SPACE RACE.

time-read
6 mins  |
November 24, 2024
ONE STEP FORWARD
Business Today India

ONE STEP FORWARD

THE NUMBER OF WOMEN INDEPENDENT DIRECTORS IS GROWING STEADILY, BUT IT'S A LONG WAY FROM GENDER PARITY. MUCH MORE NEEDS TO BE DONE TO BREAK THE GLASS CEILING IN BOARDROOMS.

time-read
6 mins  |
November 24, 2024