New York, Aug 6: Indian American business executive Indra K. Nooyi will step down as the Chief Executive of food and beverage major PepsiCo Inc in October, the company said on Monday.

According to the US-based multinational, Nooyi, 62, will step down on October 3 after 24 years with the company, the last 12 as the CEO. However, Nooyi will remain the Chairman of the company until early 2019, Pepsico said.

She will be succeeded by Ramon Laguarta, 54, as the Chief Executive Officer.

"Growing up in India, I never imagined I'd have the opportunity to lead such an extraordinary company," Nooyi was quoted as saying in a company statement.

"Guided by our philosophy of 'Performance with Purpose' - delivering sustained performance while making more nutritious products, limiting our environmental footprint and lifting up all the communities we serve, we've made a more meaningful impact in people's lives than I ever dreamed possible.

"PepsiCo today is in a strong position for continued growth with its brightest days still ahead."

While Nooyi departs, the rest of PepsiCo's senior leadership team will remain unchanged.

Speaking on behalf of PepsiCo's Board of Directors, presiding director Ian Cook said: "As Chairman and CEO, Indra has provided outstanding leadership over the past 12 years, serving as a model both within our industry and beyond for responsible corporate stewardship in the 21st century.

"As CEO, she grew revenue more than 80 per cent, outperforming our peers and adding a new billion-dollar brand almost every other year. And shareholders have benefited: $1,000 invested in PepsiCo in 2006 is worth more than two-and-a-half times that amount today."

Cook pointed out that under her leadership the company invested "for the future, leading the way on corporate sustainability and responsibility, and embedding a sense of purpose in everything the company does.

"As one of the first Fortune 100 CEOs to embed sustainability targets into business operations, Indra was a pioneer, paving the way for a new generation of business leaders who seek to 'do well by doing good'.

"Under her leadership, PepsiCo grew its portfolio of 'Good for You and Better for You' options from about 38 per cent of revenue in 2006 to roughly 50 per cent in 2017, almost tripled its investments in research and development to expand its more nutritious offerings and minimize its environmental impact, and achieved global recognition for the company's work in communities around the world."



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Bidar: Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has expressed strong condemnation for the tragic murder of Neha Hiremath from Hubli and has assured speedy action against the accused through an expedited CID investigation.

Speaking to the media in Bidar today, the Chief Minister addressed the BJP's call for a CBI investigation, stating, "Did the BJP refer any cases to the CBI during their tenure? I have done so while in power. What moral authority do they have to demand it now? This should not be politicized." He further said that the accused has been already apprehended and that the CID is actively conducting investigations, with a charge sheet to be prepared soon.

Stern approach to justice, no political exploitation

CM Siddaramaiah urged other parties not to politicise Neha's murder, stressing the government's unwavering commitment to ensuring severe punishment for the guilty parties. "Neha's murder was an injustice, and we unequivocally condemn it. It should not be exploited for political gains," he asserted.

Modi's unfulfilled promises

Responding to criticism from Prime Minister Modi regarding the Congress manifesto's wealth redistribution plans, Siddaramaiah questioned Modi's track record of fulfilling promises, such as the infamous pledge of depositing 15 lakh rupees into each citizen's account and creating 2 crore jobs. He challenged whether Modi has effectively addressed the issue of rising essential commodity prices.

Continuation of muslim community reservation

Addressing Modi's remarks on Congress's proposed redistribution of reservation quotas to include the Muslim community, Siddaramaiah clarified that the 4% reservation for Muslims has been in place since 1994, based on the Chinnappa Reddy Commission's recommendation. He highlighted that despite challenges in the past, this reservation continues to be upheld, reaffirming the government's commitment to social justice.