Indian footwear retailer Metro Brands Ltd. today announced the appointment of Uttam Kumar as its Chief Product Officer.
Kumar brings over two decades of experience across India and the APAC region, with a proven track record in product strategy and merchandising, and retail transformation. Known for building consumer-centric product engines, he has consistently delivered margin expansion, driven digital innovation, and scaled growth across complex, multi-market environments.
In his new role as Chief Product Officer at Metro Brands Ltd., Kumar will lead the company’s overall product strategy and merchandising function, focusing on strengthening portfolio relevance and enhancing speed-to-market. He will also work closely with cross-functional teams to build scalable product capabilities that support profitable growth.
Commenting on the appointment, Nissan Joseph, CEO, Metro Brands Ltd. said, “We are delighted to have Uttam on board as Chief Product Officer. His deep expertise in product strategy and merchandising aligns strongly with our vision of accelerating growth across our portfolio. His proven ability to enhance margins and scale product functions across markets will be instrumental as we continue to evolve our offering and strengthen our connection with consumers.”
Sharing his thoughts on the new role, Uttam Kumar, Chief Product Officer, Metro Brands Ltd. said, “I am excited to join Metro Brands Ltd. at such a dynamic phase of its growth journey. The company has built a strong legacy and brand equity in the Indian footwear market. I look forward to working with the team to further elevate product innovation, deepen consumer-centricity, and build agile and future-ready merchandising capabilities.”
Prior to joining Metro Brands Ltd., Kumar served as Senior Vice President – Product & Merchandising at Bata India, where he led enterprise-wide merchandising strategy and product roadmap. His career also includes leadership roles across APAC and Southeast Asia, where he drove business performance and built omnichannel competencies. He is recognized for leveraging AI-led forecasting, digital product lifecycle management, and modern merchandising frameworks to optimize inventory and drive consumer relevance.
Metro Brands is one of India’s largest footwear specialty retailers and among the most aspirational brands in the footwear category. Established in Mumbai in 1955, the Company has grown into a one-stop destination for footwear and accessories, catering to men, women, and children across occasions – from everyday casual to formal and active lifestyles. The Company offers a diverse portfolio of in-house brands including, Metro Shoes https://www.metroshoes.com/, Mochi Shoes https://www.mochishoes.com/, Walkway, MetroActiv, Da Vinchi, and J. Fontini, alongside a curated selection of global partner brands such as Crocs, FitFlop, Fila, Clarks, Skechers, Puma and Adidas. Complementing its footwear range, Metro Brands also retails accessories such as handbags, belts and wallets.
With a strong focus on regional sensibilities and evolving consumer preferences, Metro Brands curates its product offerings to resonate with customers across India.
As of December 31, 2025, the Company operated 990 Stores across 212 cities spread across 31 states and union territories in India.
