French spirits conglomerate Pernod Ricard is undergoing a notable change as Yashika Singh, the India Head of Corporate Affairs, has tendered her resignation, as reported by three sources with direct knowledge of the situation on Monday.
According to sources, Singh, who held the position of overseeing corporate affairs in the Indian market, with a particular focus on regulatory affairs concerning manufacturing and government policies, tendered her resignation last week. Additionally, she was responsible for managing the communications portfolio.
The sources also mentioned that Rajesh Mishra, the Chief Operating Officer of Pernod Ricard India and former Chief Financial Officer, will be moving to Malaysia later this year to assume a new senior leadership position.
Despite requests for comment, Singh and Mishra remained unresponsive.
Pernod chose not to provide a comment regarding Singh’s departure. However, it stated that internal employee transfers align with their succession strategy and are unrelated to any ongoing regulatory matters, without specifically mentioning Mishra.
Pernod has been accused by an Indian federal agency of engaging in illicit profit-making through the dissemination of false information to Delhi city authorities in 2021. Additionally, the agency alleges that Pernod violated city regulations by providing corporate guarantees to support retailers.
Furthermore, Pernod has been denied a retail license in New Delhi, which prohibits the company from selling its products in the region. Pernod, however, denies any involvement in any unlawful activities.
In a statement on Monday, Pernod expressed that their employees have consistently demonstrated cooperation with the authorities, and the company remains dedicated to upholding this cooperative approach.
In April, Paul-Robert Bouhier, who held the position of Pernod India head, resigned from his role just three months after assuming the position. Following Bouhier’s departure, Jean Touboul was appointed as the new head of Pernod India.
