DeVANS Modern Breweries Limited has appointed Vikas Bhatia as Chief Operating Officer (COO), as the company looks to strengthen its commercial and operational capabilities and expand its presence across beer and premium spirits.
Bhatia brings over 30 years of experience across sales, marketing, commercial leadership and market expansion. He has held leadership roles at organisations including Red Bull, SABMiller, Diageo, Radico and Kraft Heinz. At DeVANS, he will focus on commercial development, market expansion, operational excellence and identifying new growth opportunities.
Founded in 1961, DeVANS has grown from a liquor bottling business into a beverage company with interests in beer and premium spirits. Under Chairman and Managing Director Prem Dewan, the company has expanded its manufacturing footprint from one unit to four.
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.”
Vikas Bhatia, Chief Operating Officer, DeVANS Modern Breweries Limited, 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.”
DeVANS’ portfolio includes Six Fields beers, with variants Brute, Cult, Blanche and Pilsner; Godfather beer; GianChand, an Indian single malt whisky rooted in Jammu’s whisky-making heritage; and Gingalalahu gin. The company is looking to build consumer engagement through product innovation, cultural relevance and experiential marketing.
The company has also focused on cultural associations through campaigns such as Six Fields’ #CheersForMore, featuring international cricket umpire Anil Chaudhary and centred on shared experiences around cricket.
Bhatia’s appointment comes as DeVANS looks to build on its manufacturing base and diversified portfolio, with a focus on strengthening the commercial and operational capabilities needed to support its next phase of growth.
