Diageo India is among the country’s leading beverage alcohol companies with an outstanding collection of premium brands.
At Diageo India, we believe in cultivating a culture where employees are empowered to challenge the status quo, embrace new experiences, and forge their own unique career paths. Chetan Jain's story is a shining example of this philosophy. From his early days as an auditor to his current role in supply finance, Chetan's journey with Diageo has been one marked by curiosity, adaptability, and continuous growth.
Early Days: A Ringside Seat to Transformation
Chetan's connection to Diageo began long before he officially joined the company. As an auditor, he gained a privileged view of the organisation, witnessing its evolution first-hand. "I've seen the whole transition," Chetan reflects, "how people have changed, how the processes have changed, the importance that we used to pay to different things. How those have changed."
His early experiences provided a unique foundation, allowing him to appreciate the company's commitment to compliance and ethical practices. He recalls the intense focus on compliance in the early days, a stark contrast to the emphasis on innovation and brand development that would follow.
Embracing New Challenges: A Culture of Growth
After joining Diageo, Chetan quickly embraced the company's culture of continuous improvement and innovation. "Every now and then we are coming up with a new brand," he notes. "If it's not working, we are coming with a different variant." He transitioned from financial reporting to taking care of FP&A, brand impairment, mergers & acquisitions and more recently into business partnering for Supply Chain.
This agility and willingness to experiment are hallmarks of Diageo's approach to business. Chetan credits the company's leadership for encouraging employees to step outside their comfort zones and explore new opportunities. "Every two, three years, we are encouraged to do something new. Diageo really does give you a wider exposure than you'd find elsewhere."
Lessons Learned: A Journey of Personal and Professional Growth
Chetan's journey at Diageo has not only shaped his career but also influenced his personal development. He acknowledges that his initial finance mindset, focused on cost-cutting and efficiency, has evolved over time. He now recognises the importance of investing in relationships, understanding the nuances of the business, and taking calculated risks. " My journey has been a mix of everything — from the lows of failed projects and tight deadlines to the highs of working closely with business partners, learning the ins and outs, and eventually winning them. You can’t make a difference unless you’re out in the field and truly understand what’s going on." He also praises the company's vibrant atmosphere, saying, "I don't prefer working from home. I love coming to office."
Culture and Curiosity: The Chetan Way
"Celebration is second nature to me — thanks to Diageo’s vibrant culture, I never say no to stepping out! It’s practically in my DNA now."
Outside of work, he turns into a full-time explorer — always looking for excuses to pack his bags and hit the road. "I’ve got a soft spot for history and love diving into the stories behind every new culture I come across."
Looking Ahead: Embracing New Horizons
As Chetan looks to the future, he is eager to explore new challenges and opportunities within Diageo. He expresses a desire to work in commercial finance, gaining experience in sales, marketing, and product launches. "I've spent eight years, but I've never worked in commercial," he admits. "So that's something I want to do next." He adds, "Diageo has given me the 360-degree view of everything, and I am eager to complete the circle."
Chetan's story is more than just an individual success; it's a reflection of the vibrant community we've built at Diageo. A community where bold ideas are welcomed, diverse perspectives are valued, and every employee is empowered to make a real difference.