MUMBAI: Sula Vineyards Limited, India’s leading wine producer, today announced the appointment of Mr. Chaitanya Rathi as an Additional Non-Executive Non-Independent Director on its Board of Directors, effective August 6, 2026.
Mr. Rathi’s appointment marks a significant homecoming to Sula, where he has played a pivotal role in the company’s growth over two separate leadership tenures spanning more than a decade. His extensive understanding of Sula’s business, combined with his broad industry expertise, is expected to strengthen the company’s strategic direction as it enters its next phase of expansion.
Most recently, Mr. Rathi served as Chief Operating Officer of Sula Vineyards from 2019 to 2023, overseeing multiple business verticals and leading a team of over 400 professionals. During this period, he played a key leadership role in the successful execution of Sula’s landmark Initial Public Offering (IPO) in 2022.
His association with Sula began in 2006, when he joined the company during its formative years. Between 2006 and 2013, he was instrumental in establishing and expanding Sula’s pioneering wine tourism and hospitality business. Today, Sula welcomes more than 400,000 visitors annually, making it one of India’s most successful wine tourism destinations.
Leadership Comments
Commenting on the appointment, Rajeev Samant, Chief Executive Officer, Sula Vineyards, said to our Newsman Sachin Murdeshwar: “Chaitanya has played an important role in Sula’s journey and brings a deep understanding of our business and culture. Over the years, he has helped shape our wine tourism business and played a key role in Sula’s IPO journey. We are delighted to welcome him back to Sula, this time as a member of our Board. His entrepreneurial mindset and diverse experience will provide valuable strategic insights as we continue to drive the company’s next phase of growth.”
Expressing his enthusiasm about returning to the company, Chaitanya Rathi said to our Newsman Sachin Murdeshwar: “Sula has always been very close to me and has been an integral part of my professional journey. I am delighted to return in this new capacity and look forward to bringing the experience I have gained from working with and investing in diverse consumer businesses. I am excited to work alongside Rajeev and the Board to contribute meaningfully to Sula’s continued success and create long-term value for all stakeholders.”
A Diverse Industry Leader
Beyond Sula, Mr. Rathi has held several senior operating, investment and advisory roles across high-growth businesses. He has served on the boards of multiple companies and is currently the Founder of Searchlight ETA, an Entrepreneurship Through Acquisition (ETA) and Search Fund platform in India.
With over 20 years of experience spanning consumer businesses, alcoholic beverages, hospitality, investments and entrepreneurship, Mr. Rathi brings a strong strategic and commercial perspective to Sula’s Board. His expertise in business strategy, operational excellence, investments and value creation will support the company as it strengthens its core wine business, expands its hospitality and wine tourism portfolio, explores new growth opportunities and continues delivering sustainable long-term value for shareholders.