Mondelēz International has elevated Deepak Iyer as its executive vice president and president for Asia Pacific, Middle East and Africa (AMEA) effective June 5. He was the snacking company’s president, India and Southeast Asia.

In his new role, Iyer will be responsible for leading the company’s $6.8 billion AMEA business across more than 70 countries.

“With close to three decades of leadership experience and a strong track record of success driving the growth of brands in emerging markets across Asia and Africa, Deepak is the ideal leader to continue our strong and sustained growth across the AMEA region,” said Chairman and CEO Dirk Van de Put. “Under his leadership these past six and a half years, India has delivered strong, profitable growth and become a consistent exporter of talent and best practices across our global network. We look forward to leveraging his skills and experience in this expanded role to drive greater positive impact across the broader region and the entire company.”

Since 2016, Iyer has led the company’s India business driving double-digit revenue growth, significantly expanded profit margins, strong cash flow generation and the adoption of advanced technologies and use of consumer data, it said.

Iyer replaces Maurizio Brusadelli, who will leave the company in June to pursue another leadership opportunity.

Earlier this year, the company said it will invest Rs 4,000 crore in India over the next four years, largely into manufacturing and supply chain to fuel surging demand.

The maker of Cadbury and Oreo invested Rs 1,500 crore in the country in the past four years.India accounts for about $1.2 billion of revenue for parent Mondelēz, with the local unit controlling nearly two-thirds of the country’s chocolate market.

Over the past few years, Mondelez has invested about $230 million mainly to set up a greenfield plant at Sri City, Andhra Pradesh and a global research, development and quality (RDQ) hub, in Thane, on the outskirts of Mumbai.
Last year, the company posted double-digit growth in sales, bucking the slowdown trend in the overall market.

According to Tofler, Mondelez recorded a 16% jump in sales at Rs 9,296 crore during 2021-22, while net profit fell 2% to Rs 978 crore.