Former PepsiCo chief executive officer (CEO) Indra Nooyi has sparked debate after saying she could never have risen to lead a global corporation had she remained in India, arguing that the United States (US) offered a merit-based system for career advancement.
“I could never have become CEO in any other country in the world, including in India. It’s because the system here in America is a meritocratic system,” Nooyi said during a recent interview.
The Indian-born American business executive also drew comparisons between India and China, saying China was easier for visitors because of its relative social homogeneity and orderly environment.
“China is relatively homogenous. It’s easier to spend time in China than India as a visitor. India is going to be impossible if you like clean, orderly living. The beauty of India is in its chaos. If you like chaos, you go back,” she remarked.
The comments that reignite debate over India’s business environment, governance, infrastructure and opportunities for professional advancement, come as the country seeks to position itself as a global manufacturing and investment hub, competing with China for international capital and multinational supply chains.
Born in Chennai, Indra Nooyi rose to become the first woman to lead PepsiCo and was long celebrated in India with the Padma Bhushan and repeated recognition on Forbes’s World’s 100 Most Powerful Women list, but is now openly critical of India’s system.
