Diageo India is among the country’s leading beverage alcohol companies with an outstanding collection of premium brands.
Few professionals bring together industry experience, strategic thinking, and a people-first mindset as seamlessly as Jalaja Menon, General Manager – Federal at Diageo India. With a career spanning manufacturing, petrochemicals, steel and Alcobev, she operates at the intersection of business and government, enabling change through collaboration and clarity.
Jalaja’s journey began at the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) in Delhi, where her science background and strong research orientation made her a natural fit for stakeholder engagement. She worked across sectors such as automotive and infrastructure, gaining a first-hand view of how regulations and corporate priorities shape each other.
At Reliance Industries, she built on this foundation, working in petrochemicals and textiles. “Being part of core sectors helped me see how decisions made in boardrooms and ministries play out on the ground, from shop floors to export markets,” she shares.
Creating Alignment, Driving Progress
At Diageo India, Jalaja leads the engagement with central ministries including Commerce, Finance, Consumer Affairs, and NITI Aayog. Her focus is on building alignment across stakeholders to support reforms that benefit both industry and society.
One standout achievement was the notification of a Quality Control Order in just two years, significantly faster than the typical timeline. “What makes this work rewarding is getting everyone on the same page. That’s where real progress happens,” she says.
Purpose in Practice
Jalaja credits Diageo’s inclusive leadership and collaborative culture for enabling work that is rooted in long-term impact. From sustainability to responsible drinking, she has contributed to several initiatives where compliance and creativity go hand in hand.
She recalls visiting Alwar, where a woman hugged her in gratitude for facilitating the building of a toilet as part of Diageo’s CSR initiative. In Nasik, she met women entrepreneurs using solar dryers to process produce. “When people start to see the value in themselves and what they do, that’s when the work becomes real,” she reflects.
She also contributes to Diageo India’s thought leadership with government and trade bodies, advocating for progressive excise structures and enabling broader industry transformation.
Inspiring the Next Wave
Jalaja encourages aspiring professionals to stay curious, build relationships, and focus on what truly matters. She especially hopes to see more women enter the policy and advocacy space, given its growing influence.
“There’s a perception that this work is just about rules. But really, it’s about connecting people and priorities in ways that create lasting value,” she says.
Grounded and Forward-Facing
Whether leading a cross-functional team or working with public sector partners, Jalaja brings depth and dedication to everything she does.
Outside work, she enjoys reading, cooking, and gardening. Her long-term dream is to return to her roots in Kerala and live amidst nature on the family farm. “That’s where I find balance and perspective,” she smiles.