Mumbai: North America-based global snacking company and chocolate maker, The Hershey Company, announced the appointment of Geetika Mehta, as managing director, India effective from 1 July. India continues to remain a key focus market for Hershey International and the organization is committed to talent development and building leadership. Geetika’s appointment will further strengthen the leadership at Hershey India, the company said in a statement.

Geetika will be reporting to The Hershey Company India VP and AEMEA Herjit Bhalla, who was recently elevated to a global role. Herjit reports directly to Hershey International president Rohit Grover.

In her most recent role, she served at Hindustan Unilever as general manager for its home and hygiene business. With various leadership roles in FMCG and food businesses, Geetika brings over 18 years of experience across commercial and consumer marketing.  

Welcoming Geetika on board, Hermit Bhalla said, “The Indian market is of significant importance to us and is critical to our long-term growth plans. In our endeavor to further strengthen the leadership and drive resilient growth and execution, we are delighted to have Geetika onboard. With a proven track record of building and nurturing small businesses and leading growth for large businesses and driving profitability and turnaround, I am confident that Geetika will successfully lead the Hershey India team into the next phase of growth, scale and evolution.”

The newly appointed MD said, “I am excited to start my new journey and be a part of the wonderful narrative at Hershey India. My central focus will be on the next phase of growth in developing a strong, multi-category play while strengthening positions across key growth segments. I look forward to script a strong growth story in India with the immensely talented team here.”