Orkla India appoints Suniana Calapa to lead IT and finance

Orkla India, a portfolio company of Norwegian industrial investment firm Orkla ASA, on Thursday, announced the appointment of Suniana Calapa as director of information technology (IT) and finance.

Calapa brings a wealth of experience in leading businesses, specialising in financial planning, controllership, analysis, and audit. With over two decades of experience she is now taking on the reins of finance and IT functions at Orkla India. Calapa had  earlier worked in executive positions at Metro Wholesale India, J.P. Morgan, Kshema Technologies, Patni Computer Systems, and KPMG. 

Orkla owns the foods product companies MTR Foods and Eastern Condiments and has over 4,000 employees in India. Orkla had entered the Indian market in 2007 by buying MTR Foods, and in 2020, obtained a 67.8 per cent stake in Kerala-based spice manufacturer Eastern Condiments. 

In October, the Norwegian consumer goods company re-organised its top management operations in India. Orkla has also restructured MTR’s operations into three business units: MTR (foods company), Eastern (condiments and spices), and International Business (MTR’s international operations).  

Each of these verticals will have their own independent chief executive officers who will report to Sanjay Sharma, CEO, Orkla India. Sharma headed MTR Foods as chief commercial officer and in October was elevated as the chief executive officer. 

This addition to the executive committee aligns with Orkla India’s ongoing strategy of enhancing operational efficiency and driving strategic growth, the company said in a statement. 

In her new role Calapa will work towards these functions for sustained profitability and technological advancement within the recently restructured Orkla India portfolio, the company said. 

Commenting on Calapa’s appointment, Sharma said, “Her proven track record and leadership will drive financial and technological efficiencies, ensuring seamless business operations.”  

Expressing her enthusiasm, Calapa said that it is a “promising opportunity to be part of this dynamic team and Orkla India’s journey” and that she looks “forward to working with the group’s leadership and contributing to Orkla’s strategic growth.”