Unlike many industry leaders remembered for a single company or brand, Roy’s contribution spans manufacturing, brand creation, regulatory engagement, industry advocacy and institution building. His journey mirrors the evolution of India’s alcobev sector itself—from a tightly regulated domestic market to one that today is increasingly premium, competitive and globally connected.
An engineering graduate from IIT Kanpur, Roy began his career in 1970 with Jagatjit Industries (JIL), where he gained hands-on experience across the technical side of the business, including malting, brewing, distillation and manufacturing operations. Those early years laid the foundation for a career that would combine technical expertise with business strategy.
His long stint with Shaw Wallace saw him work on expanding manufacturing capabilities and strengthening the company’s whisky portfolio. During this period, he was associated with initiatives that helped introduce Scotch blending practices in India and expand manufacturing through franchise operations—concepts that would later become common across the industry.
A defining phase of his career came under Kishore Chhabria, when Roy was tasked with building a parallel liquor division. It was here that Officer’s Choice was conceived and launched, eventually becoming one of India’s most recognised whisky brands. Returning later to Jagatjit Industries as President, he also led the launch of Fortune Gold, further strengthening his reputation as a brand builder.
Roy subsequently joined BDA Distilleries (now Allied Blenders & Distillers) as CEO, where he played a key role in revitalising Officer’s Choice. He was also instrumental in bringing Teacher’s, the first Scotch whisky to be bottled in India through the Allied Domecq portfolio, to Indian consumers—a milestone that reflected the industry’s gradual shift towards premium international brands.
His career later took him to Bacardi India, where as President (Operations), he helped establish the ready-to-drink (RTD) category in India. Securing regulatory approvals for RTDs across multiple states was no small task, but those efforts paved the way for the successful introduction of Bacardi Breezer, a brand that would go on to define the category for an entire generation of consumers.
Beyond corporate leadership, Roy also played an important role in shaping the industry’s collective voice. He was among the founding members of the Confederation of Indian Alcoholic Beverage Companies (CIABC), helping strengthen engagement between industry and policymakers.
In 2013, Roy took over as Director General of All India Brewer's Association (AIBA), where he spent the next 13 years advocating for progressive regulation, rational taxation, responsible consumption and greater dialogue between the brewing industry and government. His tenure coincided with a period of significant change for India’s beer sector, and he remained a steady voice on policy and regulatory matters.
Retirement may mark the end of Roy’s formal responsibilities, but sometimes, the biggest impact comes not from the loudest voices, but from those who consistently help move an industry forward
