Restaurant Brands Asia Limited (RBA), the operator of Burger King in India, has announced a significant change in its top management. The company has appointed Arijit Datta as its new Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and Key Managerial Personnel (KMP), effective October 8, 2025. This appointment comes as part of RBA's ongoing efforts to strengthen its financial leadership.

Key Highlights

• New Appointment: Arijit Datta joins as CFO and KMP
• Effective Date: October 8, 2025
• Previous Role: CFO at Pepe Jeans India Limited
• Transition: Sumit Zaveri steps down as Interim CFO

Management Transition

The Board of Directors of Restaurant Brands Asia Limited approved this appointment in a meeting held on October 7, 2025. As a result of this change, Sumit Zaveri, who had been serving as the Interim CFO since May 6, 2025, will step down from this role. However, Zaveri will continue to contribute to the company as the Group Chief Financial Officer and Chief Business Officer, maintaining his status as a Key Managerial Personnel.

Arijit Datta's Profile

Arijit Datta brings a wealth of experience to his new role at RBA:

Market Response

On October 7, RBA shares ended lower by 5.05% at ₹74.90 on the National Stock Exchange (NSE).

Company Overview

Restaurant Brands Asia Limited, formerly known as Burger King India Limited, operates the Burger King chain of restaurants in India. The company's registered office is located in Mumbai, and it continues to expand its presence in the quick-service restaurant sector across the country.

This management change comes at a time when the quick-service restaurant industry in India is experiencing rapid growth and increasing competition. The appointment of an experienced financial leader like Arijit Datta may strengthen RBA's financial management capabilities in the dynamic food service industry.

Restaurant Brands Asia Limited (RBA), formerly known as Burger King India Limited, reported a narrower net loss of ₹41.90 crore for the first quarter, compared to a loss of ₹49.30 crore in the same period last year. The company, which operates Burger King and Popeyes restaurants in India, saw its revenue from operations grow by 7.9% to ₹697.70 crore, up from ₹646.60 crore year-on-year.

Improved Financial Performance

The company's EBITDA (Earnings Before Interest, Tax, Depreciation, and Amortization) showed a significant improvement, increasing by 16.5% to ₹72.90 crore. EBITDA margins expanded to 10.4% from 9.7% in the corresponding quarter of the previous year, indicating enhanced operational efficiency.

Store Expansion and Sales Growth

RBA's growth strategy focused on both store expansion and same-store sales growth:

• Added 63 new stores over the past year, bringing the total restaurant count to 519
• Achieved a same-store sales growth of 2.6%
• Dine-in traffic increased by over 6%

Menu Innovation and Customer Experience

The company attributed its performance to several key initiatives:

1. Launch of a new Korean product range
2. Focus on value offerings
3. Introduction of Whopper Deluxe Burgers
4. Launch of BK Fusion range of shakes and sundaes
5. Expansion of BK Café to 93% of restaurants
6. Implementation of self-ordering kiosks in 93% of outlets

Management Commentary

Rajeev Varman, Whole-time Director and Group Chief Executive Officer of RBA, commented on the results: "Innovation along with operational excellence has helped us navigate a dynamic environment. Our new Korean range of products have been well received, with guests appreciating the use of premium ingredients and authentic flavours."

He added, "By staying close to our customers and swiftly responding to their evolving tastes, we are confident of creating enduring value for all our stakeholders."

Segment Performance

The company's financial results revealed segment-wise performance:

Future Outlook

Restaurant Brands Asia has outlined its growth strategy for the coming years:

• Plans to add 60 to 80 new restaurants annually
• Targets to reach approximately 800 restaurants by FY2029
• Aims to achieve a gross profit margin of around 70% by FY2029

As Restaurant Brands Asia continues to focus on menu innovation, store expansion, and enhancing customer experience, the company appears poised for further growth in the competitive quick-service restaurant market.