Innoterra, the Swiss-Indian food and agri-tech platform, has announced the appointment of Avinash Kasinathan as Group Co-Chief Executive Officer, effective immediately. He will serve alongside Group CEO Pascal Foehn, who has successfully led the company’s repositioning towards profitable growth and industry-leading unit economics in recent years.
This strategic leadership move reflects Innoterra’s deepening focus on India as a central driver of innovation, growth, and sustainable agri-food systems. The appointment comes at a pivotal time, as the company sets its sights on a potential public listing within the next three years.
Avinash Kasinathan, who most recently served as Head of India Businesses at Innoterra, will focus on scaling India’s role as a key growth and innovation hub within the company’s global operations. Under his leadership, the company’s India division has achieved significant milestones, including the strategic acquisition of Fasal’s fresh produce distribution business and a high-value partnership with Milky Mist, exceeding $40 million.
India’s growing prominence in Innoterra’s global strategy is underscored by its potential as both a sourcing powerhouse and a centre for agri-tech innovation. The company is increasingly leveraging India’s dynamic ecosystem of startups, farmer producer organisations, and food and beverage players to drive digital supply chains, sustainable farming practices, and value-added innovations.
Innoterra’s core focus on circular economies—fruits, dairy, and staples such as rice and spices—continues to guide its dual mandate of market growth and positive farmer impact. The company’s tech-enabled approach, powered by agronomists and food genetics experts, aims to enhance global food security while building inclusive market linkages across its 17-country footprint.
Commenting on the leadership development, Pascal Foehn, Group CEO of Innoterra, stated: “Promoting Avinash Kasinathan to Group Co-CEO is one of the most gratifying decisions I’ve made as a leader. Avinash’s strong track record across agribusiness, digital platforms, and supply chain transformation, along with his vision and integrity, make him the ideal partner to co-lead our next growth phase. His leadership will be pivotal as we build on India’s strategic importance in our global roadmap.”
Avinash Kasinathan added: “This is a defining moment for Innoterra. India is no longer just a sourcing hub — it’s where innovation, infrastructure, and sustainable food systems converge. As Group Co-CEO, my focus will be on cross-leveraging our strengths, accelerating our capital market readiness, and building bold, inclusive growth across circular economies. India’s agri-tech ecosystem, farmer networks, and digital transformation present unparalleled opportunities, and we are committed to making it a cornerstone of Innoterra’s next phase of growth.”
Avinash began his career with McKinsey & Company and has since held multiple C-level roles in agri-tech. His appointment marks a significant step in Innoterra’s journey to become a globally integrated, farmer-centric, technology-led agri-food platform.
-CXOtoday
