VIKAS BHATIA JOINS DEVANS AS CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER

DeVANS Modern Breweries has appointed Vikas Bhatia as Chief Operating Officer, marking a significant addition to its leadership team. With extensive experience at Red Bull, SABMiller, Diageo, Radico and Kraft Heinz, Bhatia will oversee commercial capabilities and market development as the company builds on its six-decade legacy in beer and premium spirits.  

DeVANS Modern Breweries has announced the appointment of Vikas Bhatia as Chief Operating Officer, strengthening its leadership team as the company embarks on its next phase of growth. Founded in 1961, DeVANS has evolved from a single manufacturing unit into a multi-facility operation under the stewardship of chairman and managing director Prem Dewan, with a portfolio spanning beer and premium spirits.  

Bhatia brings with him a wealth of experience across leading global beverage and FMCG companies. His career includes senior roles at Red Bull, SABMiller, Diageo, Radico and Kraft Heinz, where he developed expertise in commercial strategy, market expansion and operational leadership. At DeVANS, he will be responsible for overseeing commercial capabilities, market development and operations, with a mandate to drive growth and strengthen the company’s position in India’s competitive beverage industry.  

Announcing the appointment, Prem Dewan said: “DeVANS has a legacy spanning more than six decades, and our ambition is to build on that foundation as we take the company into its next phase of growth. Vikas brings extensive experience across leading beverage and FMCG businesses, along with a strong understanding of commercial development and market expansion. We look forward to working with him to strengthen our capabilities, develop our business and to further strengthen DeVANS into one of the premier beverage companies in India.”  

The appointment comes at a time when India’s alcoholic beverages sector is undergoing rapid transformation, with premiumisation, innovation and evolving consumer preferences reshaping the market. DeVANS, with its established presence and expanding portfolio, is positioning itself to capture new opportunities in both domestic and international markets.  

Bhatia’s track record of leading commercial development across diverse geographies and categories is expected to play a pivotal role in this journey. His experience at multinational companies has equipped him with insights into scaling operations, building strong distribution networks and driving brand growth in highly competitive environments.  

For DeVANS, the addition of a seasoned executive like Bhatia signals a renewed focus on strengthening its commercial and market development capabilities. As the company continues to expand its footprint, his leadership is anticipated to support innovation, operational efficiency and strategic expansion, reinforcing DeVANS’ ambition to be recognised among India’s premier beverage companies.