Aparna Bhawal Quits as Chief Marketing Officer of KFC India – Exchange4Media

Aparna Bhawal Exits KFC India After Three-Year Tenure as CMO Aparna Bhawal has resigned from her position as Chief Marketing Officer at KFC India and its partner markets, concluding a tenure of more than three years with the company. Her departure marks the end of a significant chapter in her career, during which she played a key role in shaping the brand’s marketing strategy across India. Bhawal’s resignation was first reported by industry publications, which noted that she is currently in the process of transitioning out of her role. She is expected to formally exit the company by the end of May 2026. During her time at KFC India, Bhawal was instrumental in driving marketing initiatives that aligned with the brand’s global vision even as adapting to local consumer preferences. Prior to joining KFC India in early 2023, Bhawal served as Vice President of Marketing at HT Media for over three years. Her experience in media and marketing contributed to her approach at KFC, where she focused on building stronger connections between the brand and its diverse customer base. Following her resignation, Suhayl Limbada has taken over as the new Chief Marketing Officer at KFC India. Limbada previously held the same position at KFC Thailand, where he managed the profit and loss across 1,250 restaurant outlets. Before his tenure in Thailand, he worked in marketing leadership roles at KFC South Africa and held positions at multinational corporations including Mondelez International and Kraft Foods Group. Bhawal has indicated that her next step will involve entrepreneurship, with plans to support emerging brands and startups through her own venture. She aims to contribute to the marketing ecosystem by helping new businesses grow through strategic guidance and innovation. Her exit comes at a time of leadership transition within KFC India’s marketing division, reflecting broader efforts to strengthen the brand’s presence in one of its most important markets. The company continues to emphasize localized storytelling and community engagement as central to its long-term growth strategy in India.