AB InBev appoints Kartikeya Sharma as president for south Asia business

The world’s largest brewer Anheuser-Busch InBev (AB InBev) on Monday announced the appointment of Kartikeya Sharma as president, south Asia, making him the first Indian to take up the role at the maker of Budweiser and Corona beer.

Sharma, currently vice president, sales, AB InBev India, will succeed Ben Verhaert who will take up a new role as president, east Asia.

The new appointments come as part of management changes at the brewer’s south and east Asia business units. These appointments are effective 1 January, 2020, the company said in a media statement on Monday. Both, Verhaert and Sharma will report to Jan Craps, CEO, Budweiser APAC and president, APAC, AB InBev.

“Ben and Kartikeya have played a vital role in our continued growth and success across geographies, transforming our portfolio, delivering strong brand growth and curating meaningful experiences to our consumers,” Jan Craps, executive director and CEO, Budweiser, APAC, and President, APAC, AB InBev said. “With their deep understanding of the consumer coupled with the dynamics of the industry and commercial acumen, I am confident that Ben and Kartikeya in their new leadership roles will position us for continued success in APAC.”

Sharma has over 14 years of experience in marketing and business development. He joined AB InBev in 2005, and worked across markets such as Africa, and Canada and was part of the team that set up the India business heading functions such as marketing and trade marketing. "As VP Marketing and more recently VP Sales, Kartikeya played an integral role in driving sustainable portfolio performance," the release said.

“Ben has laid a strong foundation which I hope to build on and deliver on our business objectives. I see great opportunity ahead for the company in this market,” Sharma, currently, vice president, sales – India, AB InBev, said.

The world’s largest brewer Ab InBev employs 175,000 people based in 50 countries. The company’s portfolio boasts of over 500 beer brands, including Budweiser, Corona, Stella Artois, Hoegaarden and Leffe among others. In 2016, the Belgium-based brewer Ab InBev merged with SabMiller in a reported $100 billion deal making the combined entity the largest brewer in the world. For 2018, AB InBev’s reported revenue stood at $54.6 billion, excluding JVs and associates. In India, the beer company competes with United Breweries, the maker of Kingfisher beer and India's largest brewer.