Rohan Pewekar, Managing Director – Pizza Hut, Indian Subcontinent at Yum! Brands, has announced his departure from the company, bringing to a close a six-year stint with the global quick-service restaurant (QSR) giant.
In a LinkedIn post, Pewekar reflected on his journey with Pizza Hut, expressing gratitude to the organisation, franchise partners, restaurant teams and customers who were part of the brand’s growth during his tenure.
“After more than six incredible years, I’m closing a very special chapter at Pizza Hut India,” Pewekar wrote, thanking Yum! Brands leadership and colleagues for the opportunity to lead one of the world’s most iconic pizza chains across the Indian subcontinent.
Leadership Across the Indian Subcontinent
Pewekar was elevated to Managing Director for Pizza Hut’s Indian Subcontinent operations in 2024, where he oversaw the brand’s business across India, Nepal, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and the Maldives.
Based in Gurugram, he was responsible for steering the brand’s growth strategy in one of Pizza Hut’s most important emerging markets. Before assuming the MD role, Pewekar served as Chief Strategy and Finance Officer for Pizza Hut, where he played a key role in shaping the company’s financial and strategic roadmap.
He joined Yum! Brands in December 2019 and held multiple leadership positions across finance, planning, strategy, supply chain and quality assurance during his tenure.
An alumnus of Indian Institute of Management Calcutta and The Wharton School, Pewekar has previously worked with global organisations including Samsung Electronics and Accenture.
Working with Franchise Partners
Pizza Hut’s presence across the Indian subcontinent operates through a network of franchise partners. In his farewell note, Pewekar acknowledged the contributions of leading franchise operators including Devyani International Limited, Sapphire Foods India Limited, Transcom Foods Limited, and Gamma Pizzakraft Lanka.
These partners collectively manage hundreds of Pizza Hut restaurants across the region and play a critical role in the brand’s expansion and operations.
India remains one of Pizza Hut’s fastest-growing markets, with the chain reaching close to 900 restaurants across more than 200 cities in the country in recent years.
Looking Ahead
In his message, Pewekar emphasised the collaborative effort behind the brand’s journey during his tenure.
“As I step into what comes next, I do so with immense gratitude and pride in what we’ve built together,” he wrote.
While Pewekar has not yet announced his next move, his exit marks a leadership transition for Pizza Hut in the Indian subcontinent at a time when the QSR sector is navigating intense competition, rising costs and evolving consumer demand in the region.
