Mondelēz International announces new global operating model

Mondelēz International has announced the adoption of a new globally consistent operating model across all regions of its business, including here in Asia Pacific. The model is based on a regional, category-led approach and focuses on the key categories of: chocolates; gum, candy and powdered beverages; biscuits; and cheese and grocery. The company’s businesses in Europe and North America have already transitioned to this new operating model, as Asia Pacific continued to operate on a country led model. The new model will commence on 1 January 2015.

The new model has led to several new appointments and has redefined the responsibilities and portfolios of several leaders across the company. In Asia Pacific, new category and business leadership has been announced realigning roles across all business units and markets.

In India as part of this new model, Manu Anand, currently President, India and Managing Director of Mondelez India Foods Limited (MIFL) will take on the role of President, Regional Category Team, Chocolate and will oversee the chocolate business across the region. Chandramouli Venkatesan (Mouli), who was earlier Regional Category Team Head Chocolates, will take the role of Managing Director of MIFL. These changes will be effective 1 January 2015.

Manu Anand joined the company a year ago and was responsible for leading the growth of Mondelez International in India. Prior to joining Mondelez International, Manu was with PepsiCo for over 19 years in various leadership roles. Chandramouli Venkatesan (Mouli) was earlier the Regional Category Team Head for the Chocolate Category in Asia Pacific and was responsible for facilitating and driving collaboration in the areas of Strategy, Brand and Innovation, while delivering operational excellence in the Chocolate Category.
Mouli joined Cadbury India in 2005 as Strategy Director and has held several senior leadership roles in Human Resources and Strategy across India and Asia. He was Category Director for India Chocolates and Biscuits before he moved to his last role.

Under this new operating model, the Regional Category Teams (RCTs) will assume full P&L responsibility for their respective categories at a regional level. The category structure will enable the global organisation move towards a consistent operating model worldwide, providing categories with an opportunity to grow global brands, launch new innovation platforms, share best practices, create best-in-class cost leadership to drive margins, achieve operating excellence and enhance capabilities.

Country leaders will be the face of the business within their respective geographies and drive a winning culture consistent with Mondelez values. They will be accountable for building world-class, go-to-market teams focused on superior market execution, and will remain the key connect for customers and consumers.