Driving Impact in Alco-Bev: Manish Khurana’s Story of Passion and Purpose

Manish Khurana is a key part of our Commercial operations. A Bangalore native with Punjabi roots, his career journey reflects a remarkable blend of resilience, adaptability, and a passion for pushing boundaries. From building brands to conquering new markets, Manish's story is one of continuous growth, strategic thinking, and a deep understanding of the consumer. "It's not just about the product," Manish reflects, "it's about the process, the challenge, and the constant drive to learn and evolve."

Manish's early entrepreneurial instincts, honed by helping his father in the family business, laid the foundation for his future in brand building. While a formal education in Business Management provided the theoretical framework, it was his master’s program in Australia that truly ignited his passion for marketing and sales. "Australia was a life-changing experience," he recalls. "It taught me more about life than marketing itself."

Returning to India, Manish joined SABMiller, immersing himself in the fast-paced world of sales and marketing. He quickly proved his ability to thrive in challenging environments, successfully managing a diverse portfolio of accounts "I was given some of the toughest territories," Manish shares, "but I saw it as an opportunity to learn and grow."

"I believe in keeping things simple," he explains. "Marketing is about delighting consumers and becoming a meaningful part of their lives." His work during this period showcased his deep understanding of consumer insights, and translating them into compelling brand narratives.

Over the course of his career, he worked with multiple companies in the alco-bev industry, delving deeper into the commercial side of the business, launching new brands and making a significant market impact. "I've always been drawn to the challenge of launching something new," he says. "It's where I feel most alive."

Manish's path ultimately led him back to Diageo in the customer marketing team. "Diageo is like a well-oiled machine," he observes. "The rigor, the logic, the people – it's an incredible environment to be a part of." He thrives in the company's dynamic culture, valuing the opportunity to collaborate with colleagues who constantly challenge and inspire him.

Spearheading customer marketing efforts during Diageo’s re-entry into the Andhra Pradesh market, he demonstrated his leadership and market acumen. "It's about being prepared for the opportunity," Manish notes. "When you get the chance, you have to give it your all."

Manish Khurana's journey is one of passion, resilience, and a commitment to continuous growth. Outside the workplace, Manish finds balance in travel, cooking and friendships. "These are the things that keep me grounded," he admits. "They provide the energy and perspective I need to keep pushing forward."