Deepak Roy steps down as ABD chief executive

India’s Allied Blenders & Distillers, maker of the world’s largest whisky brand Officer’s Choice, has confirmed its appointment of a new CEO as Deepak Roy moves to the singular role of vice chairman.

Deepak Roy will remain at Allied Blenders & Distillers as executive vice chairman

Anupam Datta officially took up of the position of chief executive officer and managing director of ABD two weeks ago, as the group moves forward with plans to launch its IPO.

Speaking to The Spirits Business, Deepak Roy said while he will continue to act as executive vice chairman of the company and will remain on the board, Datta has taken over his chief executive responsibilities.

It is thought Roy will predominantly be involved in strategy and planning ahead of ABD’s initial public offering of shares in around 18 months time.

Before joining ABD, Datta headed Kellogg’s South Africa business. Both he and Roy previously worked at UK drinks group Diageo.

It was revealed earlier this year that ABD recorded a 29% sales growth in 2014/15, allowing the producer to hit 32m cases. ABD’s flagship Officer’s Choice swiped Johnnie Walker’s title as the world’s best selling whisky brand in 2014.

The brand was named Indian Whisky Brand Champion by The Spirits Business earlier this year due to its impressive 19% volume growth to 28.4m cases.