GURUGRAM — After a highly successful three-year tenure, Aparna Bhawal is stepping down as the Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) of KFC India and Partner Countries. Bhawal is currently managing her transition and is expected to officially conclude her exit by May 2026.
Her departure marks the end of a defining chapter for the brand, during which she was instrumental in repositioning KFC for a younger demographic and driving significant business growth.
The Next Chapter: AB Advisory Group
Bhawal is transitioning from corporate leadership to entrepreneurship. She has announced the launch of AB Advisory Group, a new venture focused on helping founders and scaling businesses.
-
Core Mission: Supporting companies at inflection points with growth strategy, commercial focus, and marketing fundamentals.
-
Strategic Depth: Leveraging her two decades of experience to provide structured execution for brands navigating rapid expansion.
Leadership Legacy at KFC
During her time at the helm of KFC’s marketing, Bhawal led several critical initiatives:
-
Brand Turnaround: Orchestrated a shift in cultural relevance, strengthening the brand’s connection with Gen Z and millennial consumers.
-
Governance & Industry Roles: Continues to serve on the Managing Committee of The Advertising Club of India (2025–26) and as an Advisory Board Member for the Indian Influencer Governing Council.
KFC India has already named Suhayl Limbada, formerly the Market Lead for KFC Thailand, as her successor. Limbada officially took over the CMO role earlier this week to ensure a seamless leadership transition as the brand enters its next phase of growth.
