Luxebook Top100

Ruchika Gupta Marketing Director, Beam Suntory India I f you’ve seen chefs, influencers and more introducing Oaksmith, a new made-for-India whisky to drinkers this past year, it’s the work of Ruchika Gupta and her team. Gupta is responsible for brands like Yamazaki, Roku Gin and Suntory Whisky Toki, and has been strategic about brand pivots in the pandemic. She describes luxury as, “a labor of passion — blending the finest of quality, most meticulous of detail, laborious craftsmanship and a deep creative thought coming together to deliver what is supremely functional yet transcends function.” No wonder then that her favourite city is steps away from a luxury Japanese single malt, “I absolutely love Osaka in Japan! It’s known for its modern architecture, vibrant culture, nightlife, friendly locals and delicious street food. It’s also home to the Yamazaki Distillery, the first whisky distillery of Japan.” An avid reader, Gupta is currently reading, ‘Leaders Eat Last’ by Simon Sinek. She is also passionate about yoga, travel and art – teaching herself about art history dating from 1880 onwards. “At Beam Suntory, the Japanese principle of ‘Gemba’ (Japanese for ‘the real place’ or deep consumer insights) is the guiding light, as we put our consumers at the heart of everything we do.” Sachin Mehta Country Director, India & Indian Sub-continent, William Grant & Sons W hen asked for business advice, Sachin Mehta says, “Do what you are passionate about. Challenge the norms. Be curious and take risks.” His career is an amalgamation of this advice, having spent over two decades in the spirits industry. Now, at William Grant and Sons, he’s launched consumer focused sales initiatives in a year when alcohol consumption was mainly home-based. There’s Monkey Shoulder’s EOD Kit, Grant’s Distinction’s Jam Station that when stacked makes for a distinctive home bar. Personally, Mehta is a big fan of golf, and he says that he can’t live without it, “A 7-iron in my golf bag,” in addition to, “... my family, music and friends.” He explains, of his time on the course, “Golf not only helps me de-stress but also focus. On Friday evenings, he still comes back to spirits, “You will find me behind the bar with either a Glencairn pouring a dram of The Balvenie or Glenfiddich or with a gin balloon glass, unusually adding cucumber to Hendrick’s.” “Do what you are passionate about. Challenge the norms. Be curious and take risks.” 90 | | 91