SANGITA DURBHA GOPINATH JOINS HINDUSTAN COCA-COLA BEVERAGES

Sangita Durbha Gopinath has joined Hindustan Coca-Cola Beverages as National Manager – External Communications, based in Bengaluru. She moves into an in-house corporate communications role after more than 11 years at PR Pundit, bringing diverse experience from roles at Affine Analytics, LivLife Hospitals, HSBC, Apollo HealthHiway and SABMiller.  

Hindustan Coca-Cola Beverages has announced the appointment of Sangita Durbha Gopinath as National Manager – External Communications. Based in Bengaluru, she will be part of the company’s Public Affairs Communication and Sustainability (PACS) team, a division that plays a pivotal role in shaping the organisation’s engagement with stakeholders and its broader reputation.  

Gopinath’s move marks a significant transition from agency to corporate communications. She joins Hindustan Coca-Cola Beverages after an extensive tenure of more than 11 years at PR Pundit, where she most recently served as Director – Growth & Business Initiative. During her time at the agency, she was instrumental in driving client growth strategies, strengthening business development, and leading high-impact communications campaigns across sectors.  

Her career trajectory reflects a breadth of experience across industries and functions. Prior to her long stint at PR Pundit, Gopinath held roles at Affine Analytics, LivLife Hospitals, HSBC, Apollo HealthHiway and SABMiller. This diverse background has equipped her with expertise in analytics, healthcare, financial services and beverages, offering her a holistic perspective on communications and stakeholder management.  

At Hindustan Coca-Cola Beverages, Gopinath’s appointment underscores the company’s focus on strengthening its external communications and sustainability narrative. The PACS team is central to advancing Coca-Cola’s agenda on public affairs, community engagement and responsible business practices, areas that are increasingly critical in today’s corporate landscape. Her role will involve building trust with external stakeholders, enhancing brand reputation, and supporting the company’s sustainability initiatives.  

Industry observers note that her move reflects a growing trend of seasoned communications professionals transitioning from agency leadership to in-house corporate roles, where they can directly influence brand strategy and stakeholder engagement. With her proven track record in growth-focused communications and her ability to navigate diverse industries, Gopinath is well positioned to contribute to Hindustan Coca-Cola Beverages’ ambitions in India’s dynamic consumer market.  

For Hindustan Coca-Cola Beverages, bringing Gopinath on board signals a commitment to strengthening its communications framework and aligning it with the evolving expectations of consumers, regulators and communities.