Mahesh Kanchan has been given a new role as managing director, India and Southeast Asia, Bacardi, effective 1 October 2026. 

Kanchan was previously marketing director - India and neighbouring countries. 

He succeeds Vinay Golikeri, who has been promoted to regional president for Asia, Middle East and Africa (AMEA) and global travel retail (GTR), following more than three years leading the India and Southeast Asia region and more than twenty years with Bacardi. 

Golikeri said, “It’s been a privilege to lead the India business and I’m proud of the momentum we’ve built and the strength of the team. India remains a critical market for Bacardi, and I look forward to continuing to work closely with Mahesh to build on this progress as part of my wider AMEA role.”

Kanchan added, “I’m excited to take on this role at a time of significant opportunity for Bacardi in India. We have a strong team, clear momentum and a business well positioned for its next phase of growth.”