Godrej Tea MD Barua steps down

Godrej Tea has seen a recast of its top management. Pranab Barua, who had promoted the tea venture, has stepped down as the managing director. Barua was former managing director of Reckitt Benckiser. A Mahendran, managing director of Godrej Sara Lee, has replaced Barua.

Zozden Lobo, vice president-marketing at Sara Lee, has joined as chief operating officer of Godrej Tea. Alongside, Godrej Tea is looking at a strategic financial investor to expand its business.

Set up in December 2002, the company is not in the best of its financial health. The two brands"" Godrej Noble House and Godrej Chai House"" have not been able to garner a significant market share.

A Godrej group source said, "The new structure has been put in place recently." Barua holds about 15 per cent stake in Godrej Tea, with 65 per cent stake held by Godrej Industries and the balance, by A Mahendran.

Sources added that Barua continues to be on the board but no longer handles the day-to-day functions. Godrej Noble House is a unique blend of the finest quality Assam and Darjeeling tea. Godrej Chai House is a premium quality, strong tea.

The company offices each at Mumbai and Kolkata. Blending and packaging of the teas are done at various locations across the country. In a bid to pump up volumes, Godrej Tea shifted its marketing focus to the economy packs.