SMITA BASU ROY TAKES CHARGE OF PEPSICO’S COMMUNICATIONS IN INDIA AND SOUTH ASIA

Smita Basu Roy has joined PepsiCo as Head of Communications for India and South Asia. She will oversee corporate, digital, branding and internal communications. With prior leadership roles at Godrej Enterprises Group and Voltas Limited, her appointment strengthens PepsiCo’s communications strategy in the region.  

PepsiCo has announced the appointment of Smita Basu Roy as Head of Communications for India and South Asia, marking a significant addition to its leadership team in the region. In her new role, she will lead Corporate Communications, Digital Communications—including web and social media—Corporate Branding and Internal Communications, bringing together a broad portfolio of responsibilities that are central to shaping PepsiCo’s narrative and engagement across diverse audiences.  

Smita’s appointment reflects PepsiCo’s focus on strengthening its communications strategy in one of its most dynamic markets. India and South Asia represent a complex communications landscape, where consumer expectations, digital transformation and corporate reputation management converge. Her leadership is expected to play a pivotal role in driving cohesive storytelling, enhancing brand visibility and fostering stronger connections with stakeholders.  

Prior to joining PepsiCo, Smita was heading Communications at Godrej Enterprises Group, where she steered strategic initiatives across multiple businesses. Her tenure at Godrej was marked by an emphasis on integrated communications, aligning corporate reputation with brand objectives and leveraging digital platforms to amplify engagement. Before that, she held the role of Head of Corporate Communications at Voltas Limited, where she managed external and internal communications for one of India’s leading consumer durables and engineering services companies.  

Her career trajectory underscores a consistent focus on building robust communications frameworks for large organisations. With experience spanning corporate reputation, digital engagement and internal communications, Smita brings a blend of strategic vision and operational expertise to PepsiCo. Industry observers note that her appointment comes at a time when global brands are increasingly investing in communications leadership to navigate evolving consumer expectations and heightened scrutiny in the digital age.  

PepsiCo’s decision to entrust Smita with this role signals its commitment to reinforcing its communications function as a driver of brand equity and corporate trust. As Head of Communications for India and South Asia, she will be tasked with not only amplifying PepsiCo’s brand presence but also ensuring that its corporate values resonate across markets. Her mandate will include shaping narratives that reflect PepsiCo’s innovation, sustainability initiatives and consumer-centric approach, while also strengthening internal communications to foster alignment and engagement within the organisation.  

Smita Basu Roy’s appointment is expected to add momentum to PepsiCo’s communications agenda in the region, positioning the company to engage more effectively with consumers, partners and employees. With her extensive experience and proven leadership, she is well placed to guide PepsiCo’s communications journey in India and South Asia.