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Radico Khaitan COO Steps Down, Joins Rival Allied Blenders as MD

Amar Sinha has resigned as the Chief Operating Officer of Radico Khaitan, citing personal reasons, and is set to join rival Allied Blenders & Distillers as its Managing Director. His departure follows a challenging period for Radico, which last year withdrew its premium 'Trikal' whisky brand after it faced backlash for allegedly hurting religious sentiments. Despite this controversy, the company has reported strong financial results, with a 62% year-on-year jump in quarterly profit. Sinha expressed gratitude to the board and colleagues for their support during his tenure, which began in 2017.

Key Points: Radico Khaitan COO Amar Sinha Resigns, Joins Allied Blenders

  • COO Amar Sinha resigns
  • Joins rival Allied Blenders as MD
  • Company faced backlash over 'Trikal' whisky
  • Radico posts 62% profit jump in Q3
2 min read

Liquor maker Radico Khaitan's Chief Operating Officer steps down

Amar Sinha resigns as Radico Khaitan COO for personal reasons, set to become Managing Director of Allied Blenders & Distillers.

"I hereby tender my resignation... due to personal reasons. - Amar Sinha"

New Delhi, Feb 18

Liquor maker Radico Khaitan's Chief Operating Officer Amar Sinha has stepped down from his post due to "personal reasons", joining Allied Blenders & Distillers as its new Managing Director.

Sinha had previously served as Executive Director and CEO of BDA (now Allied Blenders & Distillers Ltd).

"I hereby tender my resignation from the position of Chief Operating Officer of Radico Khaitan Limited due to personal reasons. I would like to be relieved from my responsibilities by 31 March 2026," he said in his resignation letter.

Sinha had joined Radico Khaitan in March 2017 as Chief Operating Officer.

"It has been a privilege to serve in this capacity and contribute to the Company's growth journey," he added.

"I take this opportunity to express my heartfelt gratitude to the Board and my colleagues across the organisation for their support, collaboration, and trust during my tenure," Sinha said.

Last May, Radico Khaitan announced the withdrawal of its newly launched whisky brand 'Trikal' after facing severe backlash over the brand's name and imagery, which many claimed hurt religious sentiments.

In an official statement shared with IANS, the company had said it respects the voices of Indian citizens and, as a responsible organisation, has chosen to discontinue the brand following an internal review.

"'Trikal' was never just a name -- it was intended as a tribute to India's timeless spirit," the company said, while explaining that the term comes from Sanskrit and refers to the past, present, and future.

The brand's teal-coloured bottle label featured a minimalist line drawing of a face with closed eyes and a circular mark on the forehead, which critics said resembled Lord Shiva's third eye.

Radico Khaitan, known for popular labels like 8PM, Magic Moments, and Rampur Indian Single Malt, had positioned 'Trikal' as part of its premiumisation strategy, priced between Rs 3,500 and Rs 4,500.

Meanwhile, Radico Khaitan reported a jump in Q3 ‍profit. The company posted a 62 per cent rise in profit to Rs 1.55 ‌billion ($16.9 ‌million) for the quarter ended December 31, up from Rs 954.9 million rupees ‌a year ago. Revenue from operations went up 22 per cent to Rs 54.24 billion.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
The Trikal controversy last year must have been a tough period for the leadership. Maybe that played a part in this change? Companies need to be very careful with branding in India. 🇮🇳
R
Rohit P
Their Q3 profits are up 62%! That's massive. So the company is doing great financially. Sinha's departure is probably just a personal career move, nothing to do with performance. Magic Moments is my go-to vodka anyway 😄
S
Sarah B
Respectfully, the article mentions he's leaving for "personal reasons" but is joining a competitor as MD the next day. That's corporate speak for being poached with a better offer. It happens everywhere.
K
Karthik V
Good lesson from the Trikal episode. You can't just use deep cultural or religious symbols for selling alcohol. It was a misstep, but credit to them for listening and withdrawing quickly. Jai Hind.
M
Michael C
Interesting to see the premiumisation strategy with brands like Rampur and the failed Trikal. The Indian whisky market is getting more sophisticated. Hope the new COO continues that focus on quality.

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