General Mills India appoints Shiva Krishnamurthy as new commercial director
Through this appointment, General Mills India aims to accelerate growth in the competitive Indian market.
INDIA – General Mills India has announced the appointment of Shiva Krishnamurthy to a senior commercial leadership role for its India business, a strategic hire aimed at accelerating the company’s growth in the competitive Indian foods market.
The US-based multinational, known for brands like Pillsbury, Nature Valley, and Häagen-Dazs, aims to accelerate growth in the competitive Indian market through this appointment.
Krishnamurthy, based in Mumbai, reports to Balki Radhakrishnan, Vice President and Managing Director for Global Emerging Markets, bringing over 25 years of expertise from Hindustan Unilever Limited (HUL).
Krishnamurthy’s career at HUL, spanning from 2000, included senior roles, including Executive Director for Foods & Refreshment since April 2024, overseeing a portfolio of brands such as Brooke Bond, Lipton, Bru, Horlicks, and Kissan.
His experience covers P&L leadership, category expansion, portfolio transformation, and brand management across beverages, fabric care, and skin cleansing in India and Southeast Asia.
At General Mills, he will drive commercial strategy, leveraging the company’s iconic brands, advanced food science, and inclusive culture to capture India’s burgeoning demand for packaged foods.
Krishnamurthy expressed enthusiasm: “I am excited to join General Mills. With iconic brands, leading edge food science and capable people, we are well placed to address the India opportunity. I look forward to scripting the next chapter of growth in our India business.”
Radhakrishnan praised his consumer-first approach and people-centric leadership, aligning with General Mills’ values of consumer focus and talent cultivation.
This move enhances General Mills India’s position amid rising health-conscious consumerism and e-commerce growth, as it has expanded its yoghurt, cereals, and baking mixes.
General Mills India said the new Commercial Director will focus on driving category growth, enhancing shopper and customer engagement, and delivering sustainable margin improvement through a mix of innovation, pricing strategy, and strengthened sales execution.
The company also indicated plans to invest in local capabilities and talent development to support long‑term market objectives.
Krishnamurthy’s track record in scaling food and refreshment categories positions the firm to innovate and effectively penetrate urban and rural markets.
As India’s packaged food market nears US$100 billion by 2030, such appointments signal strategic investments in local leadership for sustainable expansion.
General Mills, operating in India since the 1990s through joint ventures, continues to prioritise nutrition and convenience, with Krishnamurthy set to enhance market share against rivals like ITC and Britannia.
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