Parle Biscuits has appointed George Kovoor as its first-ever CEO, marking a historic shift in the company's leadership structure after decades of being run by the promoter family. Kovoor brings over three decades of experience from his previous role at PepsiCo, where he held leadership roles across consumer businesses and markets. His extensive experience includes driving business growth, strengthening operations, developing talent, and managing complex and competitive markets across China and the US. After retiring from PepsiCo in March 2025, Kovoor founded an independent leadership firm, Ask GeKo Advisors LLP. His career began at Brooke Bond India, part of Unilever, where he worked for about three years before joining PepsiCo. At PepsiCo, he held leadership roles across several markets, including franchise operations and sales, senior roles in the Asia region and China, serving as vice president for the China and Hong Kong market units at PepsiCo Foods China. He also held the roles of VP, Sales Development & Transformation for Greater China, and general manager of PepsiCo's China Snacks and Foods business. Later, Kovoor moved to PepsiCo's headquarters in New York, where he led the company's international and global foodservice operations, eventually returning to India as senior vice president and general manager of PepsiCo's India beverages business. Kovoor's appointment is effective September 1, 2026, as reported by the company.
Ajay Chauhan, managing director of Parle Biscuits, expressed confidence in the new leadership appointment, stating that Kovoor's experience would help the company strengthen its capabilities, develop talent and identify new opportunities for sustainable growth. The appointment comes as Parle continues to operate one of India's largest packaged-food businesses, founded in 1929 in Vile Parle, Mumbai. As reported by the company, Chauhan highlighted Kovoor's ability to drive results, develop talent and navigate complex markets as valuable assets for the company's next phase of growth, particularly as consumer preferences are evolving rapidly requiring companies to strengthen their capabilities and identify new avenues for growth. The managing director emphasized that the company was looking forward to Kovoor helping it build on its existing strengths and identify new growth opportunities, with Chauhan noting that "We welcome George and look forward to working closely with him to build on Parle's strong foundation, strengthen our capabilities and open new opportunities for sustainable growth."
With Kovoor's appointment, Parle Biscuits now has a seven-member management team to steer the company as it prepares for a public issue worth over $1 billion, according to Moneycontrol. Alongside Kovoor as CEO, the team features longtime Parle Products executives, including chief marketing officer Mayank Shah and chief technology officer Sanjay Joshi. The company has been managed by the Chauhan family for years, headed by chairman Vijay Chauhan, whose son Ajay Chauhan serves as managing director. The family also has three executive directors on the board: Arup Chauhan, Samar Sharad Chauhan, and Ambika Chauhan Aibara. Parle describes itself as India's largest biscuits and confectionery company, with its distribution network spanning more than 7.5 million retail outlets across India, while its products are also sold across international markets, including Asia and Africa. The company's portfolio includes Parle-G, Monaco, Krackjack, Hide & Seek and Melody, with Parle-G described as the world's largest-selling biscuit brand by volume.
The appointment comes amid reports that Parle Products is exploring a public listing worth over $1 billion, with the company eyeing a $1 billion-plus IPO next year at a targeted valuation of more than $10.5 billion. As per media reports, Kotak Mahindra Capital, Axis Capital and HSBC Securities had been picked as advisers, although the size and valuation could change depending on market conditions. The company's expansion strategy includes strengthening its leadership as it seeks to build on its established brands, capabilities and distribution network. Kovoor's appointment is effective immediately and is aimed at strengthening Parle's leadership as it navigates changing consumer preferences and expands its presence in domestic and international markets.
Parle Products reported revenues of ₹18,209.2 crore for FY25, up 7% year-on-year, while profits fell by a third to ₹1,182 crore. The company has yet to report its FY26 financial results. In recent years, Parle has expanded into new product categories, launching branded atta in 2021 and partnering with ice-cream maker Vadilal this past June to roll out frozen desserts under the Melody brand.
