Zanita Kajiji to direct marketing and innovation at Diageo India

Diageo India has appointed Zanita Kajiji as marketing and innovation director. She will report to Abanti Sankaranarayanan, deputy managing director.

Responding to Campaign India, James Thompson, chief marketing officer, Diageo Asia Pacific, said, "Zanita is a highly skilled and experienced marketing leader whose appointment signals Diageo’s commitment to and confidence in the India market. She brings a strong track record of delivery in Thailand and other markets in South-East Asia, as head of whisky, our core category in Asia-Pacific, and as director for new business development in the region. Her drive, flair and motivation skills will help lead our business in India to the next level."

Kajiji joined Diageo Moet Hennessy Thailand in 2003. She worked on Johnnie Walker and Benmore Scotch whisky in that market, and is credited with starting Diageo’s participation in the vodka category with Smirnoff. In 2009, she started handling spirits brands in other South East Asia (SEA) markets, including Johnnie Walker in Vietnam. Kajiji was appointed whisky category director for Asia Pacific in 2010, and worked closely with the India, SEA and Taiwan teams. Her most recent assignment was as marketing director, new growth opportunities for Asia Pacific.

Prior to joining Diageo, Kajiji spent eight years at Leo Burnett Thailand, last as brand strategy director.