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 March 17, 2024 edition of Business Today India.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the March 17, 2024 edition of Business Today India.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
"Moving to cloud helped us grow❞
What was the problem you were grappling with?
She's Got Time
MORE WOMEN ARE BECOMING WATCH CONNOISSEURS, SEEKING OUT BOTH JEWELLED AND TECHNICAL WATCHES FOR THEIR STYLE AND CRAFTSMANSHIP
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.
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.
LEADER IN INNOVATION
AS FEDEX'S PRESIDENT (Middle East, Indian subcontinent and Africa), Kami Viswanathan has a lot on her plate.
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
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?
Women and the STEM Bias
EMPOWERING WOMEN IN STEM WILL NOT ONLY BENEFIT INDIVIDUALS, BUT ALSO STRENGTHEN THE ENTIRE INDUSTRY, DRIVING INNOVATION AND PROGRESS.
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.
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.
