Ram Gopalakrishnan Takes Charge Of Vadilal’s International Business, Can He Take The Ice Cream Brand Global?

Mumbai: Vadilal Industries has appointed Ram Gopalakrishnan as CEO of its international business, as the Indian ice cream maker aims to bolster its presence abroad. Gopalakrishnan expressed his gratitude to the Vadilal board and the Accord team for their trust in a LinkedIn post. He reminisced about growing up knowing the Vadilal name in Bombay, highlighting his personal connection to the brand.

With a career spanning P&G, Clorox, and Nestlé in the United States, Gopalakrishnan's return to Vadilal feels like a full circle, he said. He envisions transforming an Indian brand into a globally recognized ice cream brand. Vadilal, with a heritage of nearly 120 years, already has a rapidly expanding international footprint, particularly among the Indian diaspora.

His appointment signifies the company's focus on deepening its connection with this global audience while reaching new consumers beyond the Indian diaspora. Gopalakrishnan's background in the US consumer market, coupled with his familiarity with an Indian brand he has grown up with, positions him well to lead Vadilal's overseas expansion.

The multinational consumer company has not disclosed specific expansion targets, investment plans, or timelines for now. For the time being, Gopalakrishnan's primary goal is to turn the Indian ice cream name into a stronger global brand. This move comes as Indian consumer companies increasingly seek opportunities in overseas markets, where the growing diaspora demand can serve as a foundation for broader distribution and brand recognition.