The beverage industry veteran brings over 30 years of experience across sales, marketing and commercial leadership as the company looks to strengthen operations and expand its market presence.

DeVANS Modern Breweries Limited has appointed Vikas Bhatia as Chief Operating Officer (COO), bringing on board a beverage industry veteran with over 30 years of experience across sales, marketing, commercial leadership and market expansion.

Bhatia has held leadership roles at global organisations including Red Bull, SABMiller, Diageo, Radico and Kraft Heinz. In his new role, he will focus on strengthening DeVANS’ commercial capabilities, accelerating market development, driving operational excellence and identifying new growth opportunities.

Building on six decades of beverage manufacturing

Founded in 1961, DeVANS has evolved from its roots in liquor bottling into a diversified beverage business spanning beer and premium spirits. Under the leadership of Chairman and Managing Director Prem Dewan, the company has expanded from one manufacturing unit to four, reflecting its growth over the decades.

The company aims to build on this legacy while developing a more competitive, contemporary and growth-oriented business.

Commenting on the appointment, Prem Dewan, Chairman and Managing Director, DeVANS Modern Breweries Limited, said, “DeVANS has a legacy spanning more than six decades, and our ambition is to build on that foundation as we take the company into its next phase of growth. Vikas brings extensive experience across leading beverage and FMCG businesses, along with a strong understanding of commercial development and market expansion. We look forward to working with him to strengthen our capabilities, develop our business and to further strengthen DeVANS into one of the premier beverage companies in India.”

Bhatia said, “I am delighted to join DeVANS at an important stage in its journey. The company’s legacy, evolving portfolio and ambition to build stronger brands present an exciting opportunity. I look forward to working with the team to strengthen commercial execution, explore new market opportunities and create a platform for sustainable, long-term growth.”

A diversified portfolio of beer, whisky and gin

DeVANS is focused on building brands that resonate with younger legal-age consumers through product innovation, cultural relevance and experiential storytelling.

Its portfolio includes Six Fields beers, comprising Brute, Cult, Blanche and Pilsner; Godfather beer; GianChand, an award-winning Indian single malt whisky portfolio rooted in Jammu’s whisky-making heritage; and Gingalalahu gin.

The company’s brands have received international recognition. Six Fields Brute won Gold and was named Country Winner at the World Beer Awards in the UK, alongside further accolades for Six Fields and GianChand.

Brand engagement through culture and experiences

DeVANS is also investing in culturally relevant brand engagement. Its #CheersForMore campaign for Six Fields, featuring international cricket umpire Anil Chaudhary, celebrates shared experiences around cricket. The campaign reflects the company’s focus on developing distinctive brand narratives and strengthening consumer connections.

Focus on commercial and operational growth

DeVANS’ next phase of growth involves bringing together its established manufacturing base, diversified portfolio and evolving approach to brand-building. Bhatia’s appointment is intended to strengthen the commercial and operational capabilities required to translate these assets into sustained business growth