A quiet storm is brewing in India’s fashion boardrooms. As brands race to keep pace with Gen Z and digital disruption, the Indian fashion retail landscape is undergoing a significant transformation. In a striking trend, several CEOs and C-suite leaders are stepping out of long-held positions—some after as significant a time as decades.
CEO tenures in India’s fashion industry are getting shorter as companies adapt to changing consumer habits and business needs. With Gen Z and digital-first shoppers gaining influence, brands are rethinking their strategies and looking to leaders who understand D2C, omnichannel retail and technology.
This wave of leadership reshuffles raises a crucial question: what’s driving these high-level moves?
IMAGES BoF Lists Possible Reasons for the CEO Step Down Wave
1. Industry Slowdown & Weak Consumer Demand: India’s retail growth has cooled—GDP growth projections were revised downward to around 6.4% for 2025, and retail sales growth is expected to lag behind previous years (~8% projected). Mid- and urban middle class consumers are under pressure of inflation, taxation, and hence the retail segment is facing muted discretionary spending.
2. Pressure to Transform Amid Rising Competition: The entry of names like Zudio and Max in the value fashion segment is posing stiff competition to brands which are selling similar products in a higher price range. The rise of agile, new-age brands is pushing established players to find CEOs who can handle disruption and stand out in a crowded market. There is growing pressure from investors to deliver quick results is leading to faster leadership changes.
3. Captivating the Digital Native Generation: With brands prioritising digital, D2C and Omnichannel retail in a bid to capture the Gen Z, Gen Alpha audiences, the pressure to ‘get with the times’ is higher than ever before. Companies are looking to cater to the requirements of the present generation (sustainability, lower prices, digital presence, quick delivery times) and require new leaders with fresh ideas and energy – another reason why long-tenured CEOs seem to be stepping down.
4. The Old Guard Seeking New Horizons: Being at the top of the food chain can be challenging. External pressures aside, many CEOs look for a personal reset, having reached the zenith. Some may look for career transitions or even fresh challenges.
A quick look at some of the key recent movements shaping the sector…
New CEOs Take Charge
Most recently, Nidhi Raj has taken over as Chief Brand Officer for Celio India. He steps down from his CEO role at Flying Machine.
Just last week, Rakesh Jallipally has exited Flipkart to become the new CEO of Pepe Jeans India, replacing Manish Kapoor, who stepped down earlier this year. Kapoor has since joined Marks & Spencer India as Managing Director.
Amisha Jain, formerly SVP at Levi Strauss & Co. for South Asia, Middle East, Africa, and Non-EU markets, has taken over as MD & CEO of Arvind Fashions, succeeding Shailesh Chaturvedi.
Manish Chopra, ex-Shein India leader, has been appointed CEO of Sabyasachi Couture, the Aditya Birla Group-owned luxury label.
Top Leadership Movements
Satyen Momaya, who led French menswear brand Celio as its India CEO for over eight years, has stepped down from his role. His next move is yet to be announced.
Vineet Gautam stepped down as CEO & Country Director at BESTSELLER India after 15 years. His successor, Sumit Dhingra, was appointed Country Director earlier this year.
Suparna Mitra, the former CEO of Titan’s Watches & Wearables Division, has stepped down. Her next move is yet to be announced.
Sandeep Kataria has resigned as Global CEO of Bata Corporation, closing a near five-year tenure at the top. B.S. Nagesh, who had been with Shoppers Stop since its inception, stepped down as its Chairman after 35 years at the helm.
Key Strategic Appointments
Vijay Chauhan will take over as General Manager of Adidas India, effective August 1, 2025. He replaces Neelendra Singh, who exits after two decades. Chauhan returns to Adidas following his stint as SVP International at American Eagle Outfitters.
Sanjeet Mehta, former head of Disney’s Consumer Products and Retail business across MENA and South Asia, joins Authentic Brands Group as EVP and Head of India.
Amit Nayak is now COO at RJ Corp Retail, leading Nike India operations.
Footwear Industry Moves
Manoj Taneja, formerly with Crocs India for over 6.5 years, has joined Relaxo as Vice President – Digital.
Aakash Koparkar, ex-Business Head for Hush Puppies, also joins Relaxo as Vice President, after a 13-year career with the Bata Group.
Textile industry veteran Rishi Suri has moved to the UK-based FCI Group after a 16-year run with The LYCRA Company.
Beauty & Lifestyle Talent Shifts
Sachin Kataria, former VP at Nykaa, joins quick-fashion commerce platform Slikk, where he’ll lead the Beauty & Personal Care division.
Shailendra Singh, ex-Business Head – Physical Retail at Nykaa, has joined US-based D’Moksha, a luxury home décor brand, as Co-Founder & COO, ahead of its India launch.
