Chinmay Sharma Appointed as United Spirits’ New CHRO
United Spirits, a distinguished subsidiary of global beverage leader Diageo, has announced the appointment of Chinmay Sharma as its new Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO). The appointment will take effect from March 5, 2026. Sharma will be succeeding Shilpa Vaid, who will transition into a new role within the Diageo Group, effective April 1, 2026.
Leadership Transition at United Spirits
The move comes as part of a broader leadership reshuffle within Diageo’s Indian operations. Shilpa Vaid, the outgoing CHRO, has been instrumental in driving several impactful HR initiatives during her tenure, enhancing workplace culture and talent management practices. Vaid’s new role within Diageo underscores the company’s commitment to nurturing leadership talent across its global footprint.
With this transition, United Spirits aims to continue its strong focus on employee engagement, talent development, and organizational growth.
Chinmay Sharma: A Seasoned HR Professional
Chinmay Sharma brings with him more than two decades of rich experience in human resources across multiple geographies, including India, Malaysia, Hong Kong, and Switzerland. Prior to joining United Spirits, Sharma served as the HR Business Leader for Performance Emerging Markets at GSK, where he played a pivotal role in shaping people strategies and driving cultural transformation.
Sharma’s impressive career trajectory includes leadership roles at Philip Morris International (PMI) and Procter & Gamble. In these roles, he spearheaded key HR initiatives, focusing on organizational development, leadership training, and talent acquisition. His global exposure is expected to bring a fresh perspective to United Spirits’ HR practices, aligning them with international standards while catering to local needs.
Educational Background and Professional Expertise
Chinmay Sharma holds an MBA from the esteemed Symbiosis Centre for Management and Human Resource Development. His academic background, combined with his substantial professional experience, positions him well to drive the company’s human resources agenda.
Throughout his career, Sharma has demonstrated expertise in change management, employee engagement, and strategic HR planning. His leadership style is characterized by a focus on collaboration, innovation, and inclusivity, qualities that are expected to further strengthen United Spirits’ culture and operational excellence.
Vision for the Future
Upon assuming his new role, Sharma expressed enthusiasm about joining United Spirits at a time of transformation and growth. He emphasized his commitment to fostering a high-performance culture, supporting employee well-being, and driving diversity and inclusion initiatives. Sharma aims to leverage his international experience to implement best practices in talent management, leadership development, and organizational agility.
“I am honored to join United Spirits and look forward to working with talented colleagues to build on the company’s legacy of excellence. Together, we will continue to create an environment where our people can thrive and contribute to the organization’s success,” Sharma remarked.
United Spirits’ Strategic HR Focus
United Spirits, known for its iconic brands and market leadership in the Indian spirits industry, has consistently prioritized people-centric policies. The company has invested in robust learning and development programs, employee wellness initiatives, and a diverse, inclusive workplace culture.
With Sharma at the helm of HR, United Spirits is poised to reinforce its commitment to innovation in people management and to support its ambitious growth plans in the coming years. The company’s leadership expressed confidence that Sharma’s appointment will further enhance its ability to attract, retain, and develop top talent.
About United Spirits and Diageo
United Spirits is a prominent player in India’s alcoholic beverages sector and operates as a subsidiary of Diageo, the world’s leading premium drinks business. Diageo’s portfolio includes globally recognized brands, and its Indian arm, United Spirits, is well-regarded for its market reach and quality offerings.
The leadership transition reflects Diageo’s strategic vision of strengthening its talent pipeline and deepening its impact in key markets. The company continues to invest in leadership development, diversity, and creating an engaging workplace for its employees worldwide.
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