Pernod India’s chief legal counsel leaves for Google amid antitrust and criminal probes, sources say – ThePrint – ReutersFeed

By Aditya Kalra
NEW DELHI (Reuters) – Pernod Ricard’s India legal chief has resigned, two sources with direct knowledge of the matter said, a key departure at a time when the French drinks giant is grappling with a range of legal and regulatory issues in the key Indian market.

The sources, who asked not to be named, said the official, Bijoya Roy, will join Google in November as the company’s general counsel in India, even as the US tech giant grapples with several antitrust investigations of its own.

Roy was a member of the Pernod India leadership team and headed the regulatory compliance function.

India accounts for a tenth of Pernod’s sales. Euromonitor estimates that Pernod, which produces brands such as Chivas and Absolut, has a 16% market share by volume in the $35 billion spirits market.

During Roy’s tenure, Pernod faced several investigations and lawsuits, including a $250 million tax claim over accusations it undervalued imports, which the company is appealing.

In the capital, New Delhi, Pernod faces criminal proceedings on charges of gaining market share by demanding that city retailers increase stocks of its goods in exchange for helping them obtain loans to apply for store licenses.

Pernod, which denies all allegations, has been banned from selling its alcohol products in the city.

The French drinks group also faces two antitrust cases in India but says it intends to comply with domestic law.

(Reporting by Aditya Kalra; Editing by Clarence Fernandez)

Disclaimer: This report is generated automatically by Reuters news service. ThePrint is not responsible for its content.