India’s alcoholic beverage market is targeted to touch $64 billion by 2030 and is now being driven by a slew of women. This Women’s Day, meet a few of them.

In 2023, India’s alcoholic beverage market was valued at US$55 billion and is targeted to touch $64 billion by 2030, according to a report by the International Spirits & Wines Association of India (ISWAI). India is positioned as the fifth-largest contributor to global market revenues in the near to medium term. This Indian alcohol market that is projected to grow at 8.61% (2024-2028) is being driven by a slew of women – as head honchos, founders, master brewers, and brilliant bartenders. This Women’s Day, meet a few of them.

Hina Nagarajan, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Diageo India

Hina Nagarajan is the first woman to not only lead Diageo India, but also a major liquor company in the country. The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Diageo India, and a member of Diageo’s Global Executive Committee, Hina has spearheaded several ‘firsts’ for the company since taking over the reins in July, 2021.

With over three decades of leadership experience, Hina was previously Managing Director, Diageo-Africa Emerging Markets (AEM), where she was instrumental in leading business operations in 37 markets. Known for building strong teams with outstanding outcomes, Hina has a proven track record in diverse power markets – India, China, SE Asia and Africa across different sectors.

Holding a Master’s degree in Business Management from the Indian Institute of Management, Ahmedabad, Hina was recently recognised as the ‘Businesswoman of the year’ by The Economic Times in 2023, and ranked among India’s ’50 Most Powerful Women in Business’ by Fortune India in 2023. Other awards include Business World’s Most Influential Women 2022 & 2023, Business Today