Deputy Managing Director at Pidilite Industries Limited

An alumnus of IIM Ahmedabad, he has a career spanning 30 years across the FMCG and Media sectors with a track record of propelling significant business growth and creating long-term value for all stakeholders of the Company.

Sudhanshu Vats was the Managing Director and CEO at EPL Limited. Under his leadership the company grew in double digits in FY 21 despite Covid19 headwinds. His clearly articulated strategy of “Leading the Pack” with Sustainability at its core and         well-defined 5 Must Win Battles will help EPL maintain its strong run in the years ahead.

He spent eight years as the MD and Group CEO of Viacom18 Media Private Limited. He profitably grew the company 3X to $600 mn. By building a strong portfolio of Direct to Consumer Digital offerings under Voot brand and strengthening Data Science and Analytics capability, he has future proofed the media company that is admired for its culture, quality of talent and progressive people policies.

He spent about 20 years at Unilever in India in sales, marketing and general management roles. His last role in Unilever was VP Laundry (South Asia) and Global VP – Radiant brand. During his long tenure at Unilever, he shaped many popular household brands, most notably Lipton, Vim, Wheel, Surf, Rin, Lifebuoy and Lux.

During 2004-2005, Sudhanshu worked with BP in India as Vice President Marketing and led the Castrol Master brand re-launch.

He has been the Chairman of the National Media and Entertainment Committee of CII, Vice President of Indian Broadcasting Foundation and Director at Broadcast Audience Research Council. He is on the Board of Tata Play and Advertising Standards Council of India (ASCI). He is also on the Global Advisory Board of the Columbia University, New York.

Sudhanshu is an inspirational leader and mentors a lot of young CXOs, many of whom started their career with him. He is a Sub 4 hours marathon runner. Education is his giving space. He serves on the advisory board of a number of NGOs.