LAVANYA HATWALNE ELEVATED TO SENIOR DIRECTOR AT COCA-COLA INDIA

Lavanya Hatwalne has been elevated to Senior Director – Integrated Operations at Coca-Cola India, effective March 2026. With full P&L responsibility, he will drive profitable growth and sustainable expansion. His promotion follows the $1B success of Maaza under his leadership, underscoring his transformative impact within the FMCG landscape.

Lavanya Hatwalne has been appointed Senior Director – Integrated Operations at The Coca-Cola Company India, effective March 2026, marking a significant milestone in his distinguished career. In this high-impact role, Hatwalne will hold full P&L ownership for the India business, tasked with driving profitable growth and sustainable market expansion across one of the company’s most dynamic markets.  

This elevation follows his historic success as Marketing Director for Maaza, where he steered the iconic mango drink to a $1 billion valuation in 2024. Under his leadership, Maaza achieved its highest-ever market share, powered by a comprehensive brand restage and strategic diversification in sourcing. The achievement cemented Hatwalne’s reputation as a transformative leader within the FMCG sector, blending commercial rigour with creative brand-building.  

Hatwalne’s career spans 19 years, defined by category transformation and operational excellence. Having dedicated nearly 15 years to the Coca-Cola system, he has risen through pivotal leadership roles at both The Coca-Cola Company and Hindustan Coca-Cola Beverages (HCCB). His expertise in Revenue Growth Management (RGM) and micro-market strategy has been instrumental in shaping Coca-Cola’s competitive edge in India’s diverse consumer landscape.  

Before joining Coca-Cola, Hatwalne honed his skills at Larsen & Toubro (L&T), managing multimillion-dollar turnkey projects. This engineering and project management foundation has given him a unique perspective on operational scale and execution, which he now brings to the integrated operations mandate.  

As Senior Director, Hatwalne’s appointment signals Coca-Cola’s intent to strengthen its India operations with a leader who combines institutional knowledge, strategic foresight, and proven results. His trajectory reflects not only personal achievement but also the company’s broader ambition to embed sustainable growth and innovation at the heart of its India business.