ANKIT DESAI JOINS MONDELĒZ INTERNATIONAL AS SENIOR DIRECTOR – MARKETING

Ankit Desai has joined Mondelēz International as Senior Director – Marketing, after nearly seven years at The Hershey Company. He will lead marketing and P&L for the $1 billion-plus India chocolates and tablets business, overseeing Cadbury Dairy Milk, Silk, Bournville, Crispello and Nutties, bringing extensive FMCG experience from Hershey, Kellogg and Perfetti.  

Mondelēz International has announced the appointment of Ankit Desai as Senior Director – Marketing, a move that underscores the company’s ambition to further strengthen its leadership in India’s chocolate market. Desai, who spent close to seven years at The Hershey Company, will now take charge of marketing and profit and loss responsibilities for Mondelēz’s $1 billion-plus India chocolates and tablets business.  

In his new role, Desai will oversee some of the country’s most iconic confectionery brands, including Cadbury Dairy Milk, Cadbury Silk, Bournville, Crispello and Nutties. His appointment comes at a time when Mondelēz continues to consolidate its position as the market leader in India’s chocolate category, with Cadbury Dairy Milk remaining a household name and a symbol of everyday indulgence.  

Desai brings with him a wealth of experience in the fast-moving consumer goods sector. At Hershey, he held leadership roles across the Asia-Pacific region, driving growth strategies and brand development in diverse markets. Prior to Hershey, he worked with Kellogg Company and Perfetti Van Melle, gaining deep insights into consumer behaviour, brand building and category expansion across multiple product segments.  

Industry observers note that his cross-market expertise and proven track record in scaling brands will be crucial as Mondelēz navigates evolving consumer preferences and intensifying competition in India’s confectionery space. With premiumisation, innovation and digital engagement becoming central to marketing strategies, Desai’s leadership is expected to play a pivotal role in shaping the next phase of growth for the company’s chocolate portfolio.  

The appointment also reflects Mondelēz’s continued investment in senior talent to drive its India operations, which remain a cornerstone of its global business. As the company looks to expand its reach and reinforce its legacy of brand trust, Desai’s arrival signals a renewed focus on combining heritage with modern marketing approaches to sustain leadership in one of the world’s most dynamic consumer markets.