RS Sodhi, who served as the managing director of India’s leading dairy brand Amul for 13 years, resigned from his position “with immediate effect” on 9 December 2023. Sodhi has been replaced by Jayenbhai Mehta, who took over as the interim managing director. Mehta had been serving as the CEO of Gujarat Cooperative Milk Marketing Federation (GCMMF), the farmers’ cooperative that operates the Amul brand.
His successor, Mehta, has worked in Amul for 32 years in various positions such as Amul’s brand manager, group product manager and general manager in the marketing section.
The decision to relieve Sodhi was taken at a hurriedly convened board meeting, media reports said. “As per resolution no.2 of the board meeting, it was proposed to end your service as the federation’s MD with immediate effect. Thus, you are hereby directed to relinquish your charge as MD with immediate effect and hand it over to federation COO, Jayenbhai Mehta,” news agency PTI reported, quoting the board’s communication to Sodhi.
Sodhi confirmed the news to the media and refuted claims that he has been “sacked” or “ousted”. After stepping down, Sodhi told the media that his term had ended two years ago and he was on an extension. He said he had requested the board to relieve him from this responsibility. “When I again requested the GCMMF board to relieve me, they finally accepted my request and relieved me today. It was my own decision to step down and I am very happy today,” Sodhi told reporters.
During Sodhi’s tenure, Amul further consolidated its undisputed top spot in the dairy segment by diversifying to new milk and dairy-based products as one of the leading in the fast-growing Indian food industry. Business Standard reports that under Sodhi leadership, GCMMF’s turnover surged from Rs 9,774 crore in 2010-11 to Rs 46,481 crore (approximately US$ 5.66 billion) in 2021-2022.
In July 2022, Sodhi, who had worked under Verghese Kurien, a name synonymous with Amul, was elected as president of the Indian Dairy Association. The well-regarded and positive industry veteran will continue to hold this position in the apex body of the country’s dairy industry.
