SAMEER SUNEJA
MANAGING DIRECTOR, PERFETTI VAN MELLE INDIA

Sameer Suneja, Managing Director, Perfetti Van Melle has been with the Indian confectionery major for 14 years now. Accredited as among "India's Hottest Young Marketers" in 2005 by Brand Equity and also one of "India's Hottest Young Executives" in 2008 by Business Today, Sameer is largely responsible for building the brands at PVM and creating some memorable and award winning advertising. Sameer joined PVMI during its start up days and has played a key role in the company's distinguished growth over the years. Perfetti Van Melle is the undisputed leader in sugar confectionery today and most of its brands are market leaders in their respective segments.

Sameer launched Alpenliebe in India which today is the country's single largest confectionery brand. Today Perfetti is known by the Brands it keeps. Several campaigns and brand baselines have become a part of consumer lingo such as "Dimag Ki Batti Jala De" for Mentos, "Dobaara Mat Poochna" for Chlor.mint, "Lagey Raho" for Alpenliebe Lollipop, "Smile Please" for Happydent White, "Hila Ke Rakh De" for Center Shock and so on.

Sameer joined the company as a Brand Manager in 1997 and subsequently moved to Milan for an International Marketing assignment where he spent a couple of years. He returned to India in early 2002 and was the Head of Marketing and subsequently became Head Sales and Marketing. He became the Managing Director three years ago and is among the youngest Managing Directors in the country running a company with a turnover of 1200 Crores. During his stint as a Managing Director, the company has seen exponential top line and bottom line growth.

An MBA from IIM Bangalore ('94 batch), he started his career at Colgate Palmolive. From there he moved on to Frito-Lay before joining Perfetti Van Melle. Website: http://www.perfettivanmelle.in