Veteran fashion retail leader Ekta Saran has announced her departure from Aditya Birla Fashion and Retail Ltd.’s value fashion brand OWND!, closing a nearly three-decade-long chapter in corporate leadership across India’s fashion and lifestyle industry.
Ekta, who most recently served as Senior Vice President, OWND! at Aditya Birla Fashion and Retail Ltd., shared on LinkedIn that the decision comes from “a place of clarity” as she transitions toward a phase focused more deeply on personal interests, passion, and purpose.
Saran joined ABFRL in 2021 to lead OWND! and has since played a pivotal role in building strong foundations for the brand. During her tenure, she helped shape its strategic direction, strengthen operating processes, and build a high-performing team to support long-term growth.
“After almost 30 years in fashion and retail corporate leadership, I have closed an important chapter and stepped away from my role at OWND!,” she wrote. “I am proud of the foundation laid for OWND and confident in the journey ahead. The work continues, as it should, in new hands and with fresh energy.”
Ekta’s career spans 29 years and multiple leadership roles across value, lifestyle, and luxury retail formats. She joined Aditya Birla Fashion and Retail Ltd. in 2021 to lead OWND!, bringing with her deep experience in business turnarounds, new concept launches, and large-scale retail expansion.
Prior to that, she spent over 13 years at Trent Ltd, where she played a pivotal role in shaping several well-known retail brands. As Head Product & Customer for Zudio, she led buying, sourcing, quality, marketing, and visual merchandising for what has become one of India’s fastest-growing fashion brands. She was instrumental in laying down and implementing the growth strategy that drove Zudio’s expansion to 500 stores nationwide.
Over the years, Ekta has been credited with launching and scaling several retail concepts, including StyleUp and Fashion Yatra, as well as contributing to the private label strategy for Westside’s young fashion and kidswear segments.
The company is yet to announce her successor.
