Sula Vineyards has appointed former Chief Operating Officer Chaitanya Rathi as an Additional Non-Executive Non-Independent Director, effective August 6, 2026. The appointment marks Rathi’s return to the wine company after two leadership stints spanning more than a decade.
Rathi first joined Sula in 2006 and was associated with the company until 2013. During this period, he played a role in building and scaling its hospitality and wine tourism business. He returned to Sula in 2019 as Chief Operating Officer, a position he held until 2023.
As COO, Rathi oversaw multiple business functions and led a team of more than 400 employees. He was also involved in Sula’s initial public offering in 2022.
Today, Sula’s wine tourism business attracts more than 4,00,000 visitors annually, with the company continuing to expand its hospitality and wine tourism footprint.
Commenting on the appointment, Rajeev Samant, CEO, Sula Vineyards, said, “Chaitanya has played an important role in Sula’s journey and brings a deep understanding of our business and culture. Over the years, he has helped shape our wine tourism business and played a key role in Sula’s IPO journey. We are very pleased to welcome him back to Sula, this time on the Board, and I am confident that his entrepreneurial mindset and diverse experience will bring valuable perspective as we take Sula into its next phase of growth.”
Rathi said, “Sula continues to be very close to me, having been an important part of my journey for many years, and I am delighted to return in this new role. I look forward to bringing the perspective and experience I have gained from working with and investing in diverse consumer businesses to support Sula’s next phase of growth. I am excited to work alongside Rajeev and the Board to contribute meaningfully to the Company’s journey and create long-term value for all stakeholders.”
Beyond Sula, Rathi has held operating and investment roles across consumer businesses, alcobev, hospitality and other high-growth ventures. He has also served as a board member and strategic advisor to several companies and is currently the Founder of Searchlight ETA, an Entrepreneurship Through Acquisition and Search Fund platform in India.
With more than two decades of experience, Rathi brings expertise across business strategy, operations, investments and value creation. At Sula, he is expected to contribute to the company’s next phase of growth as it continues to strengthen its core wine business, expand its wine tourism and hospitality operations and explore new growth opportunities.
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