Indra Nooyi elected next PepsiCo Chairwoman

New York, Feb 6: Indra Krishnamurthy Nooyi, Indian-American Chief Executive of the second largest soft drink maker PepsiCo Inc will assume the additional title of the company's chairwoman shortly.

She will assume the new title with effect from May 2 after the current Chairman Steven Reinemund vacates his post. She succeeded him as CEO on October 1 last year.

''I'm incredibly honoured by the board's confidence. PepsiCo is on a sound strategic course with solid momentum. Thanks to Steve's leadership. Along with every PepsiCo associate, I am looking forward to building on the lasting legacy created by him,'' Ms Nooyi, who joined PepsiCo in 1994 and directed worldwide strategy for over a decade, said.

She holds the second position among the top 10 female CEOs in the United States. The head of the Archer Daniels Midland Company, Patricia A Woertz tops of the list.

''PepsiCo is in extraordinarily gifted and capable hands,'' said Mr Reinemund.

Indra's record of transformational leadership is second to none.

She and her team will take this great company to an unprecedented level of success, he added Ms Nooyi was born in Chennai on October 28, 1955. She completed her bachelor's degree from Madras Christian College in 1976 and studied MBA at the Indian Institute of Management two years later.

She earned her master's in public and private management from Yale University.

She is married to Raj K Nooyi, who is a management consultant.

Ms Nooyi was awarded Padma Bhushan for her achievements on the occasion of Republic Day last month.

UNI