Pizza Hut India, a division of Yum! Brands has appointed Manish Guptaa as its new Chief Marketing Officer, tasking him with strengthening the brand’s relevance and appeal in India’s fast-evolving QSR market. Guptaa will concurrently continue to lead the Digital & Technology division until a successor is named.
Since joining Pizza Hut in 2019, Guptaa has served as Chief Digital & Technology Officer, leading the charge on data-driven marketing, performance channels, and innovations in digital commerce. In his new role, he will be expected to anchor Pizza Hut’s “back-to-core” strategy, emphasizing great value, craveable product innovations, and brand experiences that resonate with younger consumers.
Hotelier India notes Rohan Pewekar, Managing Director of Pizza Hut Indian Subcontinent, who said:
“Manish has been a driving force behind some of our most impactful digital innovations and campaigns in recent years. His deep understanding of consumer behavior, combined with his strategic and tech-forward mindset, makes him the ideal leader to steer our marketing strategy into its next phase of growth. We are excited to see him take on the role of CMO and further strengthen Pizza Hut’s position as the brand of choice for today’s consumers.”
Guptaa added:
“At the heart of our brand is craveability– the irresistible appeal that keeps consumers coming back for more. My focus will be to build on this by delivering our iconic and craveable pizza, bold flavors, and unforgettable brand experiences that spark joy and desire. As we move forward, we will strengthen Pizza Hut as a modern, digital-first brand that connects deeply with consumers through data-driven storytelling and agile marketing strategies.”
Guptaa brings over 20 years of experience spanning QSR, automotive, consumer technology and other consumer-centric categories. Prior to his digital leadership role at Pizza Hut, he has held positions at Domino’s, Karbonn Mobiles, Spice Mobiles, and Maruti Suzuki. This cross-sector exposure gives him a broad view of consumer trends, campaign dynamics, and brand relevance.
Manish Guptaa’s elevation to CMO at Pizza Hut India doesn’t just mark a title change, it reflects a strategic pivot. In a market where taste, value, and brand connection move swiftly, Pizza Hut appears to be rewriting its roadmap around modern consumers.
