Women leaders are transforming India’s fashion retail industry with innovation, strategic vision, and customer-centric approaches. From luxury to fast fashion and D2C brands, they are driving growth, sustainability, and inclusivity while redefining brand storytelling and digital transformation.
Despite challenges like gender biases and work-life balance, they continue to set new benchmarks and influence Indian fashion globally. This special feature highlights inspiring women who have redefined business strategies, introduced breakthrough innovations, and led their brands to success.
In this edition, we are featuring Sucharu Uppal, Joint President, Brands and Retail Birla Cellulose / Grasim Industries Ltd., ABG Group.
An alumni of NIFT Delhi and an Economics Hons graduate from Delhi University, Sucharu Uppal has actively worked with both Indian and global brands throughout her career.
Her career path led her to materials used by brands when she realised that while raw materials constitute approximately 60% of the finished product, the cost of said raw materials was in single digits, usually 6-8%.
She took up her current role to bridge six degrees of separation for adoption of circular and sustainable materials by brands and their supply chains.
Current Role & Responsibilities
Sucharu leads Brand and Retail – India and global brands for Sustainable and Circular Fibre at Birla Cellulose / Grasim Industries Ltd.
Challenges & Triumphs in Leadership
It is no secret that women leaders often have to work harder to prove their worth and at one point in her career, Sucharu was told that she was hired simply to fulfill the ‘diversity quota’. She set out to prove everyone wrong, and how! However, she says her journey isn’t just about succeeding in the workplace, but involves shaping the GenNext with a more equal mindset.
Key Strengths & Areas for Growth
- Strengths: Focused, resilient and driven.
- Areas for Growth: Working on active listening as an area of improvement.
Career Aspirations & Future Goals
Sucharu has always been a strong advocate for supporting new mothers as they return to work, ensuring dignity, job satisfaction and career progressions for them.
Essential Skills for Success
- Not easily taking no for an answer, without exploring all options
- Positive solution seeking approach
- Ability to work with tough people and tough situations
3 Emerging Trends & Technologies Shaping the Fibre End of Retail
- Traceability to origin
- Sustainable & circular materials
- GHG impacts
3 Career Learnings
- Walk the talk each time to be an authentic leader and build trust
- Trust builds relationships and relationships drive business
- Constantly innovate to be able to add value to yourself and what you bring to the table
Advice for Aspiring Women Leaders
Lean in, just as Sheryl Sandberg advocates in her book. Stand your ground and make your presence count. Be seen and be heard.
Vision for the Future
For India to achieve its rightful potential in the Global Textile & Apparel market. To automate, scale large integrated suppliers, improve productivity; focus on people, skill development and adopting global best practices for manufacturing, backed by strong policies.
Biggest Role Model & Why
Bhagavad Gita. Its teachings emphasise self-leadership; Oneness with self, goal and universe, and the true philosophy of karam yog – in selfless giving is the getting.
Life Mantra
‘It’s not glass ceilings that hold you back, it’s the sticky floors beneath you. The real barriers often come from self-doubt, social conditioning and internalised limitations!
