US-based confectionary company Mondelez International has restructured its Indian unit again.

The maker of the popular Oreo biscuits and Tang powdered beverage appointed Chandramouli Venkatesan as Managing Director of Mondelez India (formerly Cadbury India), while elevating its former head Manu Anand, who joined the company last year from PepsiCo, as the Regional Category Team Head of Chocolates, Asia Pacific.

It was a kind of role reversal for both Venkatesan and Anand as they replaced each other in their respective roles. Venkatesan will take over as India head from January 1, 2015, the company said in a statement.

The change comes at a time when Mondelez is gearing up for a new business model based on region and category. While countries in North America and Europe have already transitioned to this new model, Asia Pacific is inching towards the reform.

Venkatesan, who joined the then Cadbury India in 2005 as Strategy Director, has held several senior leadership roles in his previous assignments at Onida and Asian Paints.

“Mouli (as he is known among his colleagues) was the apt choice as he understands chocolate and biscuits very well. His appointment is in line with the company’s new operating model. Under his leadership, we are sure India will add significantly to the global sales. He is a go-getter and full of ideas,” said an official at Mondelez India, requesting anonymity.

Devendra Chawla, CEO at Future Group’s Food Bazaar, who worked with him in Asian Paints in Ahmedabad, said: “Mouli's understanding of Indian consumer and his category management skills are exemplary. Way back in 1997, sensing the need to have a long lasting paint for houses, he spearhead the exterior paints division.”

Venkatesan has been instrumental in driving the chocolate market in the Asia-Pacific region. In India, Venkatesan has also played a pivotal role in changing the way of chocolate consumption through campaigns such as “ kuuch meetha ho jaye ” to “ subh aarambh ”.

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