The fashion industry is in the midst of a leadership shake-up, with companies responding to digital shifts, sustainability pressures, changing consumer expectations and even volatile trade relations. While many businesses are sticking to leaders from within the fashion world, some are going beyond tradition and bringing in fresh talent from outside the sector to spark new ideas and perspectives.
For example, Sanjeet Mehta, who previously led Disney’s Consumer Products and Retail business in the Middle East, North Africa and South Asia, has joined Authentic Brands Group as Executive Vice President and Head of India. With over 25 years of experience in retail, sales, business development and marketing, Sanjeet will focus on growing Authentic’s business in India, forming new partnerships and increasing revenue. He will work closely with Henry Stupp, the Regional President for EMEIA (Europe, Middle East, India and Africa), to strengthen Authentic’s presence in India.
SEASONED TALENT
While new faces are being brought in, there’s also a focus on promoting experienced leaders to steer companies through uncertain times. For instance, Manish Kapoor is stepping up as MD, Marks & Spencer India. With 11 years under his belt at Pepe Jeans and Benetton, Manish brings in a deep understanding of consumer trends and is well-positioned to help guide the brand in the Indian market.
Also, Sumit Dhingra is making his move from footwear brand Crocs to Bestseller Group, one of the most influential players in fashion. Sumit’s challenge? To live up to the legacy of Vineet Gautam, who spent 15 years shaping Bestseller’s presence in India. Similarly, Ankit Shukla has joined Zyod as Vice President of Business, bringing years of expertise from PDS Ltd., a top apparel manufacturer.
RISING WITHIN
And let’s not forget the seasoned professionals already within the industry who are being promoted to key roles. Vishal Fabrics Ltd., made a bold move by promoting Suketu Shah from Business Head to CEO, signalling the company’s confidence in his ability to scale up.
At Raymond Limited, Vipul Mathur was promoted to Chief Business Officer of New Business in just six months, focusing on the Home and Ethnics division.
At Page Industries (Jockey India), Karthik Yathindra and Debdeep Sinha were both promoted to CEO and CBO roles after years of proving their leadership. Internal promotions are often seen as a safer bet, with companies relying on trusted talent who are already embedded within the company’s culture and operations. Take the case of Kapil Pathare, who was promoted to Deputy MD at VIP Clothing Ltd., after two decades of working on customer service, quality assurance and manufacturing excellence. Grasim Industries also made a strategic internal move by promoting Satyaki Ghosh to CEO of its Cellulosic Fashion Yarn Business. Satyaki has been pivotal in the company’s growth across multiple divisions, driving key advancements in both Thai Acrylic Fibre and Domestic Textiles.
With new appointments, there’s also the inevitable shift of long-time leaders stepping down. Sunil Kataria, MD at Raymond Lifestyle, is exiting after a tenure that transformed the brand. Similarly, Darshan Mehta, who spent 17 years shaping Reliance Brands Ltd., is departing, leaving behind a legacy of global brand partnerships. Nidhi Raj, CEO of Flying Machine, is also moving on after successfully aligning the brand with Gen Z trends.
FRESH FACES (JANUARY-MARCH 2025)
Vipul Mathur, CBO – New Businesses (Home and Ethnix), Raymond Lifestyle Ltd.
Vipul Mathur has 20+ years of experience in e-commerce, retail and branding. He was given Raymond Home and Ethnix recently under his business operations.
Ankit Shukla, VP-Business, Zyod
Ankit Shukla has over 20 years of experience in business growth, global expansion and supply chain optimisation. He previously worked with PDS Limited and Concord Ventures Group.
Shamina Bhaidjy, VP – Investor Relations, Lectra
Shamina Bhaidjy has over 25 years of experience in market and corporate finance. She started as a financial analyst at Meeschaert-Rousselle, then ventured into luxury, cosmetics sectors and tech.
Manish Kapoor, MD, Marks & Spencer
Manish Kapoor brings extensive retail and fashion expertise, having served as CEO of Pepe Jeans. His career includes leadership roles at Benetton Group, Madura Garments, Pantaloon Retail India and Brand Marketing India.
Kapil Pathare, Deputy MD, VIP Clothing
Kapil Pathare has over 20 years of experience at VIP Clothing Ltd., where he has played a key role in manufacturing, quality control, customer service and marketing strategies.
Preeti Chopra, Chief Retail Expansions and Projects, Fabindia
Boasting two decades of experience in retail real estate and business development, Preeti Chopra has held leadership roles at Being Human Clothing, Raymond Limited, Blackberrys Menswear and M&B Footwear.
Rohith Kumar, CHRO, Arvind Fashions
With over a decade of HR leadership experience in retail, Rohith Kumar has held key roles at Hardcastle Restaurants Pvt. Ltd., Landmark Group – SPAR India and Aditya Birla Fashion and Retail.
Sougata Basu, VP – Category and Brand Management, Nykaa Fashion
Sougata Basu has nearly 20 years of experience across retail, e-commerce, FMCG foods and health and fitness sectors.
Satyaki Ghosh, CEO – Cellulosic Fashion Yarn Business, Grasim Industries Limited
He has over 27 years of experience across FMCG, retail and industrial sectors. Satyaki Ghosh has led Domestic Textiles and Thai Acrylic Fibre businesses at Grasim.
Sanjeet Mehta, Executive VP, Authentic Brands Group
Sanjeet Mehta has over 25 years of experience and he has worked with companies including The Walt Disney Company, Villeroy & Boch, Calvin Klein and Tommy Hilfiger.
Karthik Yathindra, CEO, Page Industries Ltd.
With over 15+ years of experience across consumer brands in the fashion and lifestyle space, Karthik Yathindra has also held leadership positions at Page Industries.
Achint Setia, CEO, Snapdeal
Achint Setia has over 20 years of experience and has held leadership roles in e-commerce, marketing, strategy, M&A and technology.
Debdeep Sinha, CBO Innerwear and Sleepwear, Raymond Limited
Debdeep Sinha has over 30 years of experience across lifestyle retail and services and has worked with Raymond.
Suketu Shah, CEO, Vishal Fabrics Ltd.
Suketu Shah has over 40 years of experience in the textile industry and has held key roles in organisations including LNJ Denim, Mafatlal Industries Limited and Aarvee Denims & Exports Ltd.
Neeraj Nagpal, CBO – Apparel, MTM and TRSR
Neeraj Nagpal has 27+ years of experience and has been a part of brands including Shoppers Stop, Aditya Birla Fashion and Retail Limited, ITC Ltd., and Ashima Ltd.
Sumit Dhingra, Country Director for India, Bestseller Group
Sumit Dhingra has over 20 years of experience in the fashion and lifestyle industry and has previously worked with Crocs, Arvind Fashions Limited, Gant and Nautica, amongst others.
BIG EXISTS
Sunil Kataria, MD, Raymond Lifestyle
Sunil Kataria will be stepping down from his role as MD and board member of Raymond Lifestyle to pursue personal aspirations.
Darshan Mehta, MD, Reliance Brands Ltd.
Darshan Mehta is set to step down as MD after nearly 17 years of leadership at Reliance Brands Ltd.
Nidhi Raj, CEO, Flying Machine
Nidhi Raj joined in November 2021 and played a pivotal role in strengthening the brand’s Gen Z focus, digital marketing strategies and influencer collaborations.
