Avenue Supermarts, the parent company of the DMart retail chain, has appointed Anshul Asawa as its Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director, marking the completion of a planned leadership transition following the departure of Ignatius Navil Noronha.
The transition follows the conclusion of Noronha’s tenure on 31st January 2026. Asawa assumed the role after being designated CEO-designate in March 2025, as part of a structured, year-long succession plan aimed at ensuring continuity in leadership at one of India’s most closely watched retail companies.
In his initial remarks after formally taking charge, Asawa stated that he was assuming the responsibilities of Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director following a year dedicated to a carefully planned onboarding and phased transition process.
He also acknowledged the foundations established by the company’s leadership, including founder Radhakishan Damani and the management team led by Noronha. Asawa added that he was enthusiastic about contributing to the company’s next phase of growth and impact.
Avenue Supermarts currently operates around 500 stores across India, and the leadership continuity underscores its long-standing strategy of disciplined expansion and operational efficiency in a highly competitive retail environment.
Prior to joining Avenue Supermarts, Asawa spent nearly three decades at Unilever, where he held senior leadership roles across marketing, sales, digital commerce and general management in multiple international markets.
His extensive experience in consumer goods and retail ecosystems is expected to support DMart’s future growth, particularly as the company continues to expand its physical footprint while adapting to evolving consumer behaviour.
The leadership change comes at a time when India’s retail sector is undergoing significant transformation, driven by shifting consumption patterns, increasing digital adoption and intensifying competition.
