Smita Basu Roy Joins PepsiCo as India and SA Comms Head

By: Women Entrepreneurs Review Team | Monday, 24 August 2026

Smita Basu Roy has joined PepsiCo as Head of Communications for India and South Asia, marking a significant leadership move for the seasoned communications professional. As part of her new role she will be responsible for the communications mandate in the region, with a wealth of experience from corporate communications to public relations, digital communication, branding and reputation management, spanning almost 20 years.

Smita’s new portfolio amalgamates Corporate Communications, Digital Communications, Corporate Branding and Internal Communications. She will also be responsible for digital communications strategy on web and social channels and for enhancing corporate narratives and internal communications. The position places her at the nexus of strategic communication, brand reputation and stakeholder engagement.

Key Highlights

• Smita Basu Roy joins PepsiCo as India and South Asia Communications Head
• She brings nearly two decades of communications leadership experience
• Her expertise spans corporate PR, digital, branding and reputation management

Prior to joining PepsiCo, Smita worked for over 5 years with Godrej Enterprises Group as Head, Corporate Communications. Her roles included developing corporate communication policies, managing brand and leadership communication and enhancing internal and external relations. She worked in the areas of digital PR, owned media platforms, partnerships and crisis communications.

She was engaged in communication projects involving storytelling, technology and new-age media during her tenure. In her LinkedIn post on her work at Godrej, she shared her triumphs with campaigns that won two gold and one silver award at the ET BrandEquity awards and mentioned that it was an opportunity to show the true story and use of new age technology and media.

Pre-Godrej, she led Corporate Communications at Voltas Limited and was the leader of all things communications prior to the Godrej family. Previously, she served in Godrej Industries & associated companies in a communication role from Manager to General Manager. Her career started at Suzlon Energy, where she had been exposed to various industry segments like renewable energy, manufacturing, FMCG, consumer durables, construction and retail.

Smita’s experienced profile demonstrates a wide range of knowledge on the role of communication in meeting business needs, establishing stakeholder trust, and influencing company image. She has also been honored by industry forums for communication strategies and initiatives for brand and category building.

From an academic perspective, Smita is a post-graduate qualified from MICA Ahmedabad and holds Bachelor of Economics Degree from Fergusson College. She has developed a strategic approach to storytelling and reputation-led communication, which has been the backbone of her career.

Smita was excited about the change and explained that it was a “new beginning” and an “exciting journey” when she joined PepsiCo.

Smita brings 2 decades of experience in various industries and communication fields, and is now entrusted with a wider regional responsibility.