Manu Anand moves up in Mondelez rejig

Mondel?z International on Thursday announced that it will focus on four key categories of chocolates; gum, candy and powdered beverages; biscuits; and cheese and grocery, under a new operating model. The model, which will be effective from January 1, 2015, has led to several new appointments and has redefined the responsibilities and portfolios of several leaders across the company, it said in a late evening statement.

Manu Anand, currently President, India and MD of Mondelez India Foods (MIFL), will take on the role of President, Regional Category Team, Chocolate, and will oversee the chocolate business across the region. Chandramouli Venkatesan, who was earlier Regional Category Team Head Chocolates, will take the role of MD of MIFL.

Manu Anand, who joined a year ago, was responsible for leading the growth of Mondelez International in India. Chandramouli Venkatesan, earlier the RCT head, was responsible for facilitating and driving collaboration in the areas of strategy, brand and innovation, while delivering operational excellence in the chocolate category.

The company's businesses in Europe and North America have already transitioned to this new operating model, as Asia Pacific continued to operate on a country led model.

Under this new operating model, the Regional Category Teams (RCTs) will assume full P&L responsibility for their respective categories at a regional level. The category structure will enable the global organisation move towards a consistent operating model worldwide, providing categories with an opportunity to grow global brands, launch new innovation platforms, share best practices, create best-in-class cost leadership to drive margins, achieve operating excellence and enhance capabilities.