Speakers 2026

Aastha Almast is the Co-Founder of The New Shop, India’s largest tech-enabled convenience retailer focused on empowering next-generation business owners through an omnichannel, 24×7 retail model. She leads business development, strategic partnerships, HR, and compliance, playing a key role in scaling the brand’s rapid expansion.

A serial entrepreneur with over 12 years of experience across retail, finance, entertainment, branding, and technology, Aastha has founded multiple ventures before The New Shop, including Motion Punch Studios, Smartican, and ProductX. Through these businesses, she built expertise in gaming, AI-led content discovery, online reputation management, and global consumer product sourcing.

Earlier in her career, she worked with Bank of America and S&P Capital IQ. Aastha studied Economics at Hindu College, pursued PGDM in Fashion Marketing from Pearl Academy, and is an alumna of Indian Institute of Management Calcutta.

Abhijat Hukoo is a driven and results-oriented professional with over 29 years of experience in design and construction management. His diverse portfolio encompasses urban and town planning, as well as projects spanning residential, commercial, healthcare, hospitality, educational, and institutional sectors. Beyond design and detailing, Abhijat excels in budgeting and cost control, aiding clients in balancing design objectives with business goals. As Principal and Managing Director at MBH Architects, he leads the firm’s strategic direction, overseeing design excellence, project execution, and client partnerships across markets.

With a strong focus on innovation and functionality, Abhijat has been instrumental in driving high-impact architectural solutions that balance aesthetics with operational efficiency. Under his leadership, the firm has successfully delivered complex projects, strengthened its client portfolio, and expanded its presence across key sectors. As MBH expanded into the South Asian markets, Abhijat’s leadership has been instrumental in guiding his team to deliver quality work under tight time constraints, while also instilling the essence of the MBH brand and culture in the India offices. Abhijat holds a Bachelor of Architecture from Sushant School of Art and Architecture, Gurugram, Haryana.

Abhishek Bansal is the Executive Director at Pacific Development Corporation Ltd., where he plays a pivotal role in shaping the group’s strategic direction and growth across real estate and allied sectors. With extensive experience in the construction and development industry, he has been instrumental in the planning and conceptualisation of several successful projects, while overseeing execution across the group’s ventures.

He is a key force behind the group’s expansion into retail real estate and education, driving the development of high-quality commercial assets. Under his leadership, Pacific Group has strengthened its retail portfolio, attracting leading brands through strong stakeholder relationships and sharp market understanding.

Abhishek’s expertise lies in strategic planning, project execution, and business development, supported by a hands-on leadership approach. He is an alumnus of Mayo College and Kirori Mal College. A keen reader and sports enthusiast, he is known for his dynamic personality, strong communication skills, and ability to drive sustained business growth.

Abhishek Ganguly is the CEO of Agilitas Sports, a sportswear and athleisure platform he co-founded in 2023. A seasoned business leader, he has a strong track record across the sports, lifestyle, and retail sectors. Prior to this, he served as Managing Director of Puma India and Southeast Asia, where he played a key role in building the brand’s presence in the region. At Agilitas, he is focused on creating an innovation-led, end-to-end sports ecosystem spanning manufacturing, product development, and retail. He is an alumnus of the Indian Institute of Management, Lucknow.

Abhishek Raj is the Chief Operating Officer for Sports and Leisure Apparel Limited – Lacoste Licensee in India. As an integral team member, he has been instrumental in Lacoste’s growth journey in India from the last 17 years. In his 20 years of corporate journey, Abhishek has worked around most stimulating areas of modern retail, starting from Apparel Production, Merchandising & Buying, Retail Planning, Visual Merchandising, Project Management, New Business Development, Retail Operations, Travel Retail, E-Commerce, CRM, Marketing, T&D and Supply Chain Management.

Abhishek has completed his Post Graduation in ‘Garment Manufacturing Technology’ from NIIFT and has also accomplished his Chief Operating Officer Programme from prestigious Indian Institute of Lucknow.

Aditya Dhingra is a seasoned technology leader with strong expertise in solution architecture, digital transformation, and enterprise innovation. As Director, Solution Engineering at Salesforce, he leads teams that help organizations design and implement scalable, customer-centric technology solutions that drive business growth and operational excellence. With extensive experience in enterprise software, pre-sales consulting, cloud platforms, and business process transformation, Aditya has played a key role in enabling companies across industries to modernize operations, improve customer engagement, and unlock greater agility. He is known for translating complex business challenges into practical, high-impact technology strategies.

Aditya’s expertise spans CRM transformation, automation, data integration, AI-enabled customer experiences, and multi-cloud solution design. By combining technical depth with strategic insight, Aditya has consistently helped enterprises maximize technology investments and accelerate measurable outcomes. A collaborative and forward-thinking leader, Aditya is passionate about innovation, mentoring high-performing teams, and helping businesses navigate the evolving digital landscape through future-ready solutions.

Agendra has over 25 years of experience in IT business management and has served as the country head of several multinational technology companies. In his last assignment Agendra was the Managing Director of SGI in India. He has been associated twice with SGI (earlier known as Silicon Graphics Inc) with a prior stint as Director, Sales during 1994-2000. In between he worked as Managing Director of Veritas India and upon its merger with Symantec Corporation took on global account management responsibilities for Asia Pacific and Japan region.

With extensive experience in technology leadership, business development, and ecosystem building, Agendra has played a pivotal role in advancing the adoption of GIS and geospatial solutions across government, infrastructure, utilities, telecom, retail, and smart city sectors. Under his leadership, Esri India has strengthened its position as a trusted partner for digital mapping, analytics, and spatial intelligence solutions.

Known for his strategic mindset and execution excellence, Agendra has successfully driven business growth, built high-impact partnerships, and enabled organizations to unlock value through data-led planning and operational efficiency. His ability to align emerging technologies with real-world challenges has delivered meaningful transformation across industries.

As Managing Director of Esri India, he leads the company’s strategic vision, market expansion, and innovation initiatives, helping organizations harness location intelligence for smarter decision-making. Agendra holds M.Sc. (Hons.) in Mathematics and Master of Management Studies degrees from BITS Pilani.

Ajay Bindroo is a global entrepreneur and business leader, serving as Managing Partner for the Beverly Hills Polo Club fashion and accessories business. He is managing the next phase of the brand’s growth across Asia, Africa, CIS, and the Pacific markets. Ajay is driving the transformation of BHPC into a fully integrated, globally controlled lifestyle platform. His focus is on market ownership, cross-category expansion, and long-term value creation. He oversees strategic direction, organizational alignment, and the development of scalable growth engines across high-potential emerging markets.

Prior to this, Ajay spent over two decades in a family business, rising from an intern to Global CEO. During his tenure, he led the company’s expansion into more than 160 countries, building a strong global footprint in the personal care industry. He played a key role in developing one of the world’s leading razor blade brands, establishing it as the second-largest globally.

With over 30 years of hands-on experience across global markets, Ajay brings deep commercial insight and a practical understanding of global business dynamics. He is widely recognized for his clarity of thought, executional discipline, and ability to combine entrepreneurial instinct with structured, institutional thinking to build enduring global brands.

Aman Abdullah is the Director of Market99, a leading value retail chain in India. He studied Retail Management at Loughborough University, followed by International Finance, building a strong foundation in business and retail operations. Aman joined the family business in 2007 when it operated just two stores under the brand Store99. In 2017, the brand was reimagined as Market99, which has since grown to over 100 company-owned stores nationwide.

At Market99, he oversees IT systems, business development, projects, logistics, warehousing, and front-end operations, playing a key role in driving efficiency and expansion. He comes from a family with a strong legacy in retail, including ventures like Sabka Bazaar and The Home Store (THS). In 2024, he led Market99’s international foray with the launch of Something Ells in Melbourne, Australia.

Amit Grover is a distinguished real estate leader with over 28 years of experience in commercial real estate development, leasing, asset growth, and large-scale mixed-use developments. As CEO, City Side Development at Adani Airport Holdings Limited, he leads the design, development, and business operations of over 20 million sq. ft. of mixed-use real estate projects spanning hotels, retail, office spaces, and convention centres across Mumbai, Navi Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Lucknow, Jaipur, Guwahati, Trivandrum, and Mangalore. Amit is widely recognized for his transformative leadership in India’s commercial real estate sector. He brings deep expertise in leadership, business planning, revenue and profit growth, strategic execution, and large-scale real estate development, consistently driving sustainable value creation and business excellence.

Prior to joining Adani Airport Holdings, he spent 21 years at DLF Limited, where he was a founding member of the company’s rental business. During his tenure, he played a pivotal role in scaling the portfolio from just three buildings totaling 0.5 million sq. ft. in Gurgaon to more than 60 buildings across India, covering 45 million sq. ft. across New Delhi, Gurgaon, Chennai, Hyderabad, Pune, Chandigarh, Noida, and Kolkata. At DLF, Amit held several key leadership positions including Executive Director, Business Head – Rental Business, National Director – Leasing, and Head of Building Operations. He also served on the boards of multiple rental asset companies in partnership with GIC.

An active voice in the global real estate community, Amit serves as an Executive Committee member of Urban Land Institute, and is associated with the Confederation of Indian Industry Real Estate Committee, RICS UK, and APREA. Known for his strategic mindset and execution excellence, Amit is passionate about urban transformation, sustainable development, and creating future-ready real estate ecosystems that deliver immersive human experiences.

Amit Sarda is the Managing Director of Soulflower, a clean beauty brand focused on natural and biotech-led skin and hair care solutions for Indian consumers. He has been part of the company’s journey from its early days in natural personal care to building it into a brand with a strong presence across e-commerce and quick commerce channels in India, along with a growing international footprint.
He has consistently focused on identifying emerging shifts in consumer behavior and translating them into relevant product categories.

Amit brings hands-on experience across multiple industries including apparel, automotive, textiles, handicrafts, and personal care. Under his leadership, Soulflower has developed a wide range of hair care solutions designed for common Indian concerns such as hair fall, dandruff and premature greying, combining traditional oiling practices with modern bioactives.

Amit began his entrepreneurial journey early with the apparel brand Ruf & Tuf and went on to become one of the youngest CEOs of a BSE-listed company. He was also an early adopter of e-commerce and has played a key role in shaping Soulflower’s go-to-market strategy across digital platforms. His approach combines product innovation with a strong focus on accessibility and distribution, enabling the brand to reach customers in the remotest cities across India.

At the core of his leadership is a clear emphasis on customer experience. Initiatives such as interactive in-store concepts and personalized product experiences reflect this focus on building deeper consumer connections. Amit Sarda is associated with several industry bodies and currently serves on the board of the World Trade Center Mumbai, All India Association of Industries, and the Bombay Chamber of Commerce & Industry. He is also Co-Chair of the Young Bombay Forum.

Amol Modak is an accomplished business leader with strong expertise in enterprise technology sales, digital transformation, and strategic growth. As Regional Sales Director at Salesforce, he leads high-performing teams focused on helping organizations accelerate customer engagement, operational efficiency, and innovation through cloud-based solutions. With extensive experience in enterprise sales, account management, and market expansion, Amol has successfully driven revenue growth, built strategic client relationships, and enabled businesses across industries to adopt scalable digital platforms. He is known for aligning technology solutions with business objectives to deliver measurable outcomes and long-term value.

Amol’s expertise spans customer relationship management, data-led decision-making, automation, and cloud transformation, helping enterprises modernize operations and enhance customer experiences. Amol’s consultative leadership style and commercial acumen have consistently contributed to strong business performance and sustained market growth. A collaborative and forward-looking professional, he remains focused on empowering teams, fostering innovation, and helping organizations navigate the evolving digital economy through technology-led transformation.

Anand Baldawa is an entrepreneur and business leader based in Mumbai, India. He serves as the CEO and Director of the Seeba Group of Companies and is the Founder of thinKitchen®, a premium kitchenware and home products platform serving both consumers and hospitality businesses across India.

A rank-holder Chartered Accountant and an MBA graduate from New York University’s Stern School of Business, Anand began his career in international finance and advisory, working with global firms including Arthur Andersen, Ernst & Young, Lehman Brothers, and Robert W. Baird across the UK, USA, and India.

In 2012, he joined his family business and led its transformation from a traditional export-focused manufacturer into a diversified kitchen and home solutions platform. Under his leadership, the group now spans manufacturing, global sourcing, premium international brand distribution, product innovation, hospitality solutions, and omnichannel retail through thinKitchen.Through thinKitchen, the group distributes several premium international kitchenware and home brands, including Joseph Joseph, Kilner, KitchenAid, Dreamfarm, and Crystal Bohemia serving customers across online marketplaces, retail stores, and hospitality projects across India.

Seven years ago, Andrew founded Athflex from a one-bedroom apartment — starting with just two t-shirts and a conviction that fitness deserved a brand built differently. What began as a leap of faith has grown into one of India’s emerging athletic apparel brands, built on the values of discipline, strength, and community. Through consistent effort, honest iteration, and a deep connection with its audience, Athflex has evolved from a two-product startup into a brand with a loyal following known as the Flex Tribe. Andrew leads the brand’s vision, culture, and community — believing that great brands aren’t just built on products, but on people and purpose.

Angad Singh is the Chief Executive Officer of Good To Go Foodworks Pvt. Ltd., where he leads the company’s strategic growth, operations, and brand development in the dynamic food services space. With a strong focus on innovation and customer experience, he is driving the expansion of the company’s portfolio across formats and markets.

Under his leadership, the organisation is focused on building scalable, high-quality food concepts, strengthening operational efficiency, and enhancing consumer engagement. Angad brings a sharp understanding of evolving food trends and leverages data-driven insights to shape business strategy.

Known for his entrepreneurial mindset and execution-driven approach, he is committed to building sustainable, growth-oriented ventures. His leadership continues to position the company for long-term success in India’s rapidly evolving food and beverage industry.

Anish Patel is a visionary entrepreneur leading the growth of Connplex Cinemas, a global luxury theatre chain focused on delivering smart, immersive entertainment experiences, leading the vision and strategy of a global luxury theater chain that offers smart and immersive entertainment experiences. As Founder & Director, he drives the company’s vision, strategy, and expansion, building a differentiated cinema model that blends technology, comfort, and premium service.

With strong expertise in franchising, financial structuring, and marketing of luxury theatre formats, Anish has successfully developed a wide network of industry partnerships, collaborating with retailers, investors, and film distributors to scale the brand. His ability to combine business strategy with customer-centric innovation has been key to positioning Connplex as a next-generation entertainment destination.

Holding a Master’s degree in IT along with an MBA, Anish brings a balanced approach of technological insight and business acumen. He is passionate about creating high-quality, future-ready cinema experiences that cater to evolving audience expectations while driving sustainable growth in the entertainment sector.

Ankur Bisen is a Senior Partner at The Knowledge Company, bringing 26 years of extensive cross-functional experience across India, Greater China, and Europe. He is recognised for his in-depth understanding of India’s consumer and business landscape, as well as his ability to distil complex data, market signals, and structural shifts into clear, actionable strategic direction. He brings a high level of intellectual rigour and analytical depth to his work, helping organisations navigate ransformation, identify growth opportunities, and strengthen competitive positioning in an increasingly dynamic environment. Prior to his current role, he spent nearly a decade with the Tata Group, where he served as the Country Manager in China and advised on operational excellence and strategy through Tata Quality Management Services.

In addition to his advisory work, he is also an accomplished author, recognised for articulating informed perspectives on markets, consumers, and business evolution. His work reflects strategic foresight, thought leadership, and a consistent focus on building sustainable, future-ready organisations.

Ankur Jain is a business leader with 16 years of experience scaling enterprise technology and AI businesses across India. Currently heading GTM and growth at Questt AI, he has led technology portfolios at Wipro and Zensar, strategy at L&T and spent the last year driving enterprise AI adoption across retail, consumer and manufacturing sectors. Questt’s Intelligence Warehouse makes decision intelligence real by building an infrastructure that combines structured business knowledge, performance metrics, SLAs and decision making rules into a Knowledge Graph to make coordinated supply chain, sales, and planning decisions.

Anuj Kejriwal is the CEO & Managing Director of ANAROCK Retail, a specialized retail advisory platform formed through a partnership between ANAROCK and Faithlane Property Consultants. With over 15 years of experience in retail real estate, he has advised domestic and multinational property owners, occupiers, and investors across India. Prior to this, he served as National Director for Retail Services at a leading international property consultancy, where he drove strategic growth and oversaw key markets including Mumbai, Bengaluru, Chennai, and Kolkata. At ANAROCK Retail, he leads business strategy, client advisory, and growth initiatives in India’s evolving retail real estate sector.

Co-founder and chairman of ANAROCK, India’s leading independent real estate services company with a visible presence across India and the Middle East. Anuj has lead the company with its diversified interests across the real estate life cycle and deployed its proprietary technology platform to accelerate marketing and sales on behalf of its clients. With over 30 years of experience in multi-disciplinary advisory and transactions ranging from real estate to social development projects, Anuj commands an expertise in planning, undertaking demand assessment studies and transaction services including marketing strategies based on technical real estate market analysis, feasibility studies, program requirement derivation and fund and investor sourcing.

A trusted industry expert, Anuj has played a pivotal role in shaping market intelligence and advisory frameworks in India’s real estate ecosystem. Under his leadership, ANAROCK has emerged as a leading consultancy, known for its deep research capabilities, client-centric approach, and strong execution across diverse asset classes. Prior to founding ANAROCK, Anuj served as Chairman & Country Head of JLL India, where he was instrumental in expanding the firm’s footprint and establishing it as a dominant player in the Indian market. His strategic foresight and understanding of market cycles have consistently helped investors, developers, and occupiers make informed decisions.

Anuj is a widely quoted thought leader and media commentator, frequently sharing insights on market trends, policy impacts, and investment outlooks. Known for his analytical clarity and forward-looking perspective, he continues to influence the evolution of India’s real estate landscape.

Anuj Ramachandra has worn every hat in digital commerce that matters. A former DTC founder across online and physical retail, he has since served in senior consulting roles at EY, Publicis Sapient and Capgemini, partnering with leading national and international brands across multiple geographies.

Across these eCommerce and omni-channel engagements, one pattern kept surfacing: retailers and brands were investing heavily in digital commerce. Roadmaps were full, features were shipping, platforms were modern, budgets were spent – but commercially, something wasn’t working. His conviction: digital commerce products must be deliberately architected for commercial outcomes and continuously calibrated for peak commercial performance. That’s the thesis Hexaleap Consulting was built on – a firm focused on architecting first-click-to-retention, habit-forming digital experiences that deliver peak commercial performance on digital commerce platforms.

Anuj is also the creator of the Omni-Channel Commerce Strategy methodology while at EY, and a multi-award recipient at EY and Publicis Sapient for solving complex sales and profitability challenges. He is deeply passionate about turning digital commerce products into high-performing commercial engines that compound acquisition, conversion and retention.

Arihant Jain is the Co-Founder of Dasnac and an entrepreneur, real estate developer, and investor with interests across property and technology. He leads the group’s real estate and strategic investment businesses in India and Europe, working across sectors including infrastructure, private equity, and sovereign funds. Arihant Jain has previously worked with organizations such as Zanbato, CB Richard Ellis, Designarch Infrastructure, and the Godrej Group, and has contributed to projects with global financial and advisory firms. He holds a degree in Management Science & Engineering from Stanford University and remains actively involved in investment networks and public service initiatives.

Arjun Sharma, a seasoned leader with diversified interests spanning retail, hospitality, organic farming, and private equity, stands at the helm of transformative ventures that have shaped India’s business landscape. As the Chairman of Select Group, Mr. Sharma has been instrumental in curating world-class experiences through flagship projects like Nexus Select CITYWALK, India’s first shopping centre REIT in collaboration with Blackstone.

Arpita Tandon is a seasoned retail real estate professional with over 17 years of experience in retail leasing transactions and business development strategy. Based in Delhi NCR, she leads JLL India’s Family Entertainment Center and Vanilla segment retail real estate operations nationwide. Current Role and Responsibilities as a National Head for Family Entertainment Centers at JLL India, includes her managing critical developer and retailer relationships across the country. She focuses on real estate expansion strategies for luxury, bridge-to-luxury, and entertainment retail segments, advising brands on business network expansion and diversification opportunities throughout India’s high streets, malls, and commercial centers.

Arpita has established herself as a key figure in India’s retail real estate sector, developing specialized expertise in family entertainment center leasing services. Her extensive portfolio includes collaboration with major shopping mall projects nationwide and strategic partnerships with leading international brands.

Her notable client relationships include Zara, Shoppers Stop, PVR Cinemas, Lacoste, Richemont Group, Swatch Group, Ethos, Kama Ayurveda, Forever New, Le Marche. In the FEC segment, Merlin Entertainments (Madame Tussauds), Prasuk Jain Hospitality (The Game Palacio, Snow World, Pokiddo, Golfin), One Golf, Timezone, Play N Learn, Fun City, where she provides comprehensive location advisory services and site selection expertise. Through these partnerships, Arpita has created a distinctive market position for JLL’s retail segment practice, combining deep industry knowledge across India’s evolving commercial landscape.

Arun AB is a seasoned retail leader driving the expansion and performance of Libas’ exclusive retail network across India. As Vice President – Executive Brand Outlets (EBO), he spearheads the growth, profitability, and scalability of the brand’s offline retail operations, strengthening Libas’ position in India’s fast-growing ultra-fast fashion and ethnic wear market.

A forward-thinking professional, Arun continues to focus on innovation, customer-centric retail strategies, and scalable growth to further strengthen Libas’ leadership in the Indian fashion landscape. With strong expertise in retail operations, store expansion, business development, and customer experience, Arun plays a key role in building high-performing retail ecosystems that align with evolving consumer preferences. His leadership focuses on enhancing operational efficiency, improving store productivity, and delivering consistent brand experiences across markets.

Known for his execution-driven approach and deep understanding of fashion retail dynamics, Arun has contributed significantly to scaling Libas’ exclusive brand outlet footprint while driving sustainable business growth. His ability to combine strategic planning with operational agility has helped the brand accelerate its retail presence nationwide.

Arvind Mayar is a seasoned business leader with overall 44 years of cross-industry experience spanning Profit Centre Management, Retail Operations, Sales & Marketing, Channel Development, Product Management, and Business Transformation. He is an Engineering (IIT) graduate with an MBA from IIM.

As the CEO of Secure Parking Solutions (P) Ltd, he is responsible for steering the company’s strategic direction, driving operational excellence, and accelerating growth across key markets, including in real estate construction and development of commercial and residential complexes and parking management. years’ experience.

A strategic planner with a sharp understanding of market dynamics, Arvind has successfully led product and service innovations while strengthening distribution and operational frameworks. He is known for aligning business objectives with execution excellence, ensuring long-term value creation for stakeholders. Arvind is equally recognized for his people-first leadership style. With strong communication and relationship management skills, he has cultivated high-performing teams and fostered collaborative work environments that drive performance and innovation.

Currently, Secure Parking has the largest operator of car parks in India with a dominant share of the market and has developed a dedicated and experienced management team under Arvind’s leadership.

Arvind Verma, Director, Red Tape has vast experience of Sales & Marketing for over 27 years in the Fashion Industry. His association with the brand RedTape is for almost 24 years.With a strong footing in the footwear and fashion industry, he has been instrumental in strengthening Red Tape’s positioning as a leading lifestyle brand in India.

He oversees key aspects of business operations, including product strategy, retail expansion, and brand development, ensuring alignment with evolving consumer preferences. Under his leadership, the brand has expanded its presence across categories along with its retail and distribution network.

Known for his strong business acumen and execution focus, Arvind has contributed to building a robust brand identity and scaling operations in a competitive market. His leadership continues to drive innovation, operational excellence, and sustainable growth for Red Tape.

Ashutosh Vaidya is a strategic business leader with over 25 years of experience across luxury, lifestyle, and retail sectors. In his current role, he leads business growth and market expansion across India, the Middle East & Africa (IMEA) and Southeast Asia, driving multi-channel strategies and strengthening brand presence in diverse, high-potential markets.

Over the course of his career, Ashutosh has held leadership roles at global organizations including Safilo, Luxottica, IFB Industries, and Samsonite, where he has consistently delivered growth, led turnaround initiatives, and expanded market reach across channels.

Known for combining strategic vision with sharp execution, he has successfully driven brand building, retail expansion, and distribution excellence in competitive environments. Beyond business, Ashutosh is a dedicated marathoner and a Hyrox category podium finisher, reflecting his discipline, resilience, and performance-driven mindset.

A forward-thinking leader, he continues to focus on scaling brands, unlocking new growth opportunities, and delivering sustained value across global markets.

Atul Bansal is a strategic marketing leader with strong expertise in digital commerce, brand building, and growth marketing. As Vice President & Head of Marketing at GoKwik, he leads the company’s marketing vision, driving brand positioning, customer engagement, and demand generation initiatives across the ecommerce ecosystem. A collaborative and forward-thinking professional, Atul continues to champion innovation, storytelling, and customer-centric marketing strategies that drive sustainable growth and brand value.

With extensive experience in performance marketing, content strategy, customer acquisition, and integrated brand campaigns, Atul has played a key role in strengthening GoKwik’s market presence and accelerating growth among D2C and ecommerce brands. His work focuses on building data-driven marketing strategies that improve brand visibility, enhance customer journeys, and deliver measurable business outcomes.

Known for combining creativity with analytical thinking, Atul has successfully led high-impact campaigns, strategic partnerships, and growth initiatives that align marketing efforts with broader business objectives. His understanding of evolving consumer behavior and digital commerce trends has enabled agile and scalable marketing execution in competitive markets.

Ayushi Gudwani is the Founder and CEO of FS Life (formerly FableStreet), a fast-growing house of brands focused on women’s lifestyle. Since founding the company in 2016, she has built a portfolio that includes FableStreet, Pink Fort and March,catering to the evolving needs of modern Indian women.

An alumna of Indian Institute of Management Calcutta and a silver medalist, Ayushi began her career at McKinsey & Company, where she developed strong strategic and analytical capabilities. She identified a significant gap in the market for well-fitted, high-quality workwear for Indian women, which led to the creation of FableStreet.

Under her leadership, FS Life has grown into a digitally driven, consumer-first fashion platform, known for its focus on fit, functionality, and contemporary design. Ayushi continues to drive innovation and scale, building a purpose-led brand ecosystem for women across categories.

D. Baskaramoorthy (Bhaskar Murthy) serves as Vice President – Sales at Posiflex Technology India, where he plays a pivotal role in driving business growth and accelerating the adoption of advanced POS and self-service technologies across India. With deep expertise in retail and hospitality technology solutions, he works closely with enterprises to enable seamless, efficient, and scalable operations. In his role, Bhaskar leads strategic sales initiatives, builds key partnerships, and helps organisations modernise their technology infrastructure through integrated POS ecosystems. His focus areas include enhancing customer experience, improving transaction efficiency, and enabling data-driven decision-making for businesses.

Known for his customer-centric approach and strong execution capabilities, Bhaskar continues to drive innovation-led growth and digital transformation for businesses adopting next-generation retail technologies.

Bhavin Devpuria is a growth-focused marketing and brand transformation leader with over 15 years of experience across fashion, retail, telecom, electronics, and digital-first businesses in India and Sri Lanka. He is currently Head Marketing at Reise Moto. Prior to this, he was heading marketing for India & Sri Lanka at Triumph International, where he led a comprehensive brand and digital transformation, delivering 2X B2C revenue growth and strengthening omnichannel performance.

Known for combining strategic clarity with commercial discipline, Bhavin has driven impact across GT, MT, EBOs, marketplaces, and DTC platforms. Previously, he held senior leadership roles at Trent Ltd (Westside & Landmark) and led growth and brand mandates at Vodafone Idea, Future Group, Unicorn Infosolutions, and Yaari Digital.

Binal S is a dynamic marketing leader known for her strong grasp of consumer insights and trend forecasting. As the Marketing Head at Macmerise, she leads licensing and collaboration strategies, works closely with celebrities to build merchandise lines, and drives multi-channel brand promotion.

With a background in qualitative research at Ipsos, she has handled projects for leading brands like HUL, Kellogg’s, and Kao, gaining deep insights into the Indian consumer. Leveraging this expertise, she has been instrumental in transforming content into engaging merchandise that strengthens connections between celebrities and their audiences.

She is focused on advancing merchandising as a powerful branding tool, driving collaborations with influencers and global brands. With a vision to scale Macmerise globally, she continues to build innovative, community-driven merchandise ecosystems.

Mr. Gurnani has over 12 years of experience in Hospitality and more than 19 years in Retail and Real Estate. Prior to joining Prozone, he was working with some well-known hospitality chains around the world namely; Taj Group of Hotels, Ramada Grand Hotel, Australia Moving on he joined Piramyd the retail arm of the Piramal group in 2006 he became the CEO of the lifestyle division of Piramyd Retail Limited and was responsible for driving the aggressive growth plans of the company. He joined Future Group as CEO- Joint venture business in 2007 and in 2008 he moved to Provogue (India) Ltd as Group President to drive the expansion of the brand business and support the new initiatives of the group. Mr. Gurnani is currently a Whole time Director and CEO with Prozone intu Properties ltd. Prozone Intu has two operational Malls in Coimbatore and Aurangabad. Prozone with other mixed use Mall and residential projects under development in Mumbai, Coimbatore,Nagpur and Indore. He has been instrumental in the overall growth of the company and is focused on creating value for all stakeholders. He is a on leader who works along side the team and supports their development. He is known for being a customer’s person and believes that any strategy without the customer in the middle of it is heading for disaster.

Chirag Chhajer is the Co-founder of Burma Burma, India’s pioneering chain of vegetarian Burmese restaurants and tea rooms, established in 2014. A second-generation entrepreneur, he brings a strong blend of traditional business acumen and modern retail sensibilities.

He holds a Bachelor’s degree from Swinburne University of Technology and a Diploma in Education in Family Managed Business from SPJIMR, equipping him with a solid foundation in both global business practices and family enterprise management.

Alongside managing his family’s textile business interests, Chirag has been instrumental in scaling Burma Burma into a prominent pan-India brand. In his role, he leads expansion strategy, customer value proposition, and finance and operations across 21 outlets in major Indian cities.

Under his leadership, the brand has focused on sustainable growth, strengthened its hybrid dine-in and delivery model, and diversified into retail pantry offerings, including sauces and chips, further enhancing the overall consumer experience.

Daman Bali is a seasoned brand, marketing, and PR leader with over 15 years of performance-driven experience across e-commerce, consumer brands, and digital platforms. Currently, leading Brand Marketing at Zivame, India’s leading intimate-wear brand, where he drives integrated brand strategy across PR, CSR, digital marketing, CRM, retail, and large-scale campaigns that have delivered significant growth in brand equity, traffic, and revenue. At Zivame, he has led several category-defining initiatives that have reshaped conversations within the intimate-wear space while driving record business outcomes. His work is known for balancing cultural relevance with commercial impact, combining strong consumer insight, strategic clarity, and sharp execution. Prior to Zivame, he held roles across Myntra, Ogilvy, and a few start-ups, where he launched and scaled marquee brands, private labels, platform-first experiences, and tentpole events. With a sharp blend of strategic thinking, creative leadership, and execution rigour, he is known for translating consumer insight into culturally relevant, high-impact brand growth.

‘Supermarketwala’ Damodar Mall is an icon of Indian retail with over three decades of experience shaping modern trade and consumer businesses. As CEO – Grocery Retail at Reliance Retail, he leads one of the country’s largest grocery operations, driving scale, profitability, and innovation across formats. At Reliance, he has been instrumental in strengthening the grocery business through sharper value propositions, improved margins, and seamless integration of physical and digital retail.

In 1999, Damodar Mall graduated from selling soap at Hindustan Unilever to selling salt and sugar as promoter of the Apna Bazar franchises at Navi Mumbai and Thane, with R K Damani as the angel investor. The business model created in those two successful stores led to the genesis of DMart, but Mall had to part ways with that venture.

Soon thereafter, another pioneering retailer, Kishore Biyani, of Pantaloon Retail inducted Damodar in his early team of professionals, and the retail trajectory continued its momentum with the ramp-up of Food Bazaar from 8 to 100 stores. It was during this period that Mall received the Co-Cola Golden Spoon award at India Food Forum, for the most admired professional in the sector.

Apart from value retail, Damodar was also a part of the pioneering gourmet retail team that created the first Foodhall store at Palladium, Mumbai.

While Mall played a leading role in the pioneering stage of modern retail in India, his next assignment was to lead an already established grocery chain, Reliance Fresh where he led change at a scale with a large store network. At Reliance Retail, the portfolio of neighbourhood (Fresh), big box (SMART), wholesale (Market) & e-commerce represents the full spectrum supermarket play.

Darpan Kapoor is a veteran retail leader with over 36 years of experience, skilled in Business Planning, Retail, E-commerce, Business Development, and Financial Planning. Darpan is a strong business development professional with a Bachelor’s degree focused in Business/Managerial Economics from DAV College, Chandigarh. He is widely regarded as the pioneer who standardized the fashion retail ecosystem in Upper North India. He played a pivotal role in transforming a fragmented market into a structured, globally aligned retail environment. He currently leads Knockout Stores, an innovative value-led retail platform that converts previous-season inventory into high-value retail through the Value MBO (Multi-Brand Outlet) format, delivering premium experiences for youth-focused consumers.

His portfolio also includes Kapsons Retail, a leading e-commerce aggregator partnering with platforms such as Myntra to provide end-to-end warehousing and digital retail solutions, and Kapsons Agency, a premier distributor of global fashion brands in North India. Through integrated operations, logistics excellence, and deep market insight, Darpan Kapoor continues to set benchmarks in regional fashion retail.

Deepak Chhabra is the Managing Director of Timex Group India Limited and a seasoned business transformation leader with over 28 years of experience across retail, consumer, lifestyle, and sportswear sectors. Since taking charge at Timex India in 2022, Deepak has led a comprehensive strategic turnaround, driving strong revenue growth, profitability, investor wealth generation, brand rejuvenation, omnichannel expansion, and enhanced manufacturing excellence. Under his leadership, Timex India has delivered its best-ever financial performances, strengthened its market relevance, started its premiumization journey, and built a future-ready growth platform for the brands in India.

Before Timex, Deepak served as Managing Director at Tupperware India, where he successfully transformed the business from a pure direct-selling model into a harmonised multi-channel organisation, expanding into retail and e-commerce while significantly improving market share & sustaining the existing direct-selling channel. Earlier, as Managing Director of Crocs India, he played a key role in scaling the brand, improving consumer relevance, and accelerating growth.

Deepak began his career in 1996 and has held leadership roles across marquee organisations, including Reliance Retail, Skechers, and Sprandi. Known for his hands-on leadership style, strategic foresight, and appetite for calculated risk-taking, he strongly believes that learning from failure is as important as celebrating success.

A seasoned retail leader with extensive experience in driving business growth and strategic expansion. A postgraduate in Management, he brings a strong pedigree in the retail industry, with deep expertise in store rollout, market entry strategies, and brand partnerships.

At Shoppers Stop Ltd., he leads Group Leasing, Strategic Partnerships, Design & Projects, and multi-format expansion initiatives. He works closely with promoters and board leadership to shape long-term growth roadmaps, drive commercial asset strategy, and build organisational capabilities.

He is a seasoned business leader with over 20 years of experience in driving strategic growth, market entry, and large-scale expansion across retail, luxury, FMCG, and real estate sectors. A postgraduate in Management, he currently serves as Chief of Business Expansion and Projects at Shoppers Stop Ltd., where he leads Group Leasing, Strategic Partnerships, Design & Projects, and multi-format expansion initiatives.

Deepika Khare is a dynamic business leader with extensive experience in driving growth, strategic partnerships, and market expansion across the retail and lifestyle sectors. As Vice President and Head of Business Development at ORRA, she plays a pivotal role in shaping the brand’s expansion strategy, strengthening its market presence, and unlocking new business opportunities.

With a strong foundation in sales, marketing, and channel development, Deepika has consistently delivered high-impact growth by building robust networks and executing consumer-centric strategies. Her expertise spans market planning, business development, and identifying emerging opportunities that align with evolving consumer preferences.

Deepika is known for her strategic mindset and execution excellence, enabling her to scale operations while maintaining brand integrity and customer experience. With her expertise in retail expansion, strategic planning, and customer-focused operational models, she has been instrumental in forging key partnerships, driving retail expansion, and enhancing ORRA’s footprint across markets.

Prior to this, her contributions at CaratLane and The Phoenix Mills Ltd. centered on driving retail growth, refining leasing strategies, and enhancing brand positioning. Collaborative efforts at CaratLane facilitated national-level business development and market expansion, while The Phoenix Mills benefited from strategic alignment in leasing and co-branding initiatives. Her forward-looking approach and passion for growth continue to contribute significantly to ORRA’s ongoing success in the competitive jewellery retail landscape.

With over 30 years of executive leadership experience, Deven Pabaru, is a recognized industry leader in scaling complex businesses and driving transformation across India’s logistics, supply chain, retail, and industrial sectors. His career has been defined by building future-ready enterprises that are technology-enabled, customer-centric, and operationally resilient. He has spearheaded the rise of Stellar Value Chain Solutions, into one of India’s leading 3PL and supply chain organizations. At Future Supply Chain, he played a pivotal role in growing the business from inception to IPO, achieving a market valuation of ₹1,450 Cr. He has held key C-suite and senior leadership positions at CEVA Logistics, Future Group, Welspun, and Gillette, leading initiatives across digital innovation, M&A, and large-scale operational transformation.

Currently serving as Managing Director – Revenue & Customer Growth at IndoSpace, India’s largest industrial and logistics real estate platform, he is focused on accelerating growth, strengthening customer partnerships, and shaping the next chapter of India’s supply chain infrastructure. He has also overseen national-scale logistics operations—including the acquisition of Patel Roadways, the management of a 2,000+ vehicle fleet, and expansion to over 700 districts and 10,000+ pin codes—demonstrating his deep operational acumen and strategic foresight. Passionate about building scalable, sustainable, and innovation-led enterprises, Deven continues to champion the evolution of India’s logistics and industrial sectors.

Dharmendra RS, is a seasoned hospitality leader and the Chief Operating Officer of Bhagini Hospitalities Pvt. Ltd. and the Icon Hotels chain, overseeing 8 hotels and 7 restaurants. With a proven track record in scaling multi-unit operations, he is known for driving profitability, operational excellence, and guest-centric innovation. An award-winning professional and respected industry voice, Dharmendra has been a speaker at leading hospitality forums across India. His expertise spans brand building, revenue strategy, and team leadership. Passionate about elevating dining and stay experiences, he continues to shape high-performance hospitality businesses with a sharp, future-focused vision.

Dhaval Raja is a seasoned retail business leader with over two decades of experience across FMCG, Fashion, Lifestyle, and Jewellery. Known for building and scaling businesses with disciplined execution, he has consistently delivered high-impact growth by combining sharp commercial acumen with strong consumer understanding.

In his recent leadership role, Dhaval has been instrumental in transforming a Senco into a national powerhouse—driving revenue scale-up from ₹2,200 crore to over ₹8400 crore, expanding the retail footprint to 195+ stores, and contributing to a successful IPO. His leadership spans retail, digital, and corporate channels, with a strong focus on store economics, omnichannel integration, and customer experience. He brings deep expertise in new store expansion, retail design and fit-outs, and performance-led operations—ensuring that every store is built not just for presence, but for profitability.

Dhaval is also known for building high-performing teams and fostering a culture of accountability and growth. Currently stepping into a new phase as Chief Sales Officer at CaratLane, he is focused on scaling the next wave of growth through sharper omnichannel play, stronger unit economics, and elevated consumer engagement. A strategic thinker with an execution-first mindset, Dhaval represents the new-age retail leader driving transformation at scale.

A dynamic CEO and CTO, he is currently leading the digital transformation of Shrimuktai Mart Pvt. Ltd., a retail chain serving over 5 lakh customers. With a strong focus on bridging business vision and technological execution, he architects scalable, resilient, and data-driven systems designed to support rapid growth and long-term value creation.

He has played a pivotal role in evolving the organization’s retail ecosystem by positioning technology as a core business driver. His expertise spans omni-channel expansion, enterprise data security, and building IPO-ready digital infrastructure.

With prior leadership experience at renowned brands such as ORRA Fine Jewellery, Prince Pipes, and Baggit, he brings a proven “build to scale” approach. Known for his analytical leadership, he leverages data to drive strategic decisions, while championing agile, cloud-based systems that ensure operational efficiency and organizational resilience.

Retail leader with 18 years of experience in retail operations, business development, and real estate expansion across India’s leading brands. Currently leading Business Development at Bata India Ltd., he is spearheading the PAN India expansion for Bata and Hush Puppies, driving the launch of 100+ COCO stores annually while managing a retail portfolio of 1400+ stores nationwide. Having worked with renowned brands like Bata India, United Colors of Benetton, Melorra, and Aditya Birla Group, his expertise lies in identifying high-growth opportunities, building scalable retail ecosystems, and strengthening brand presence across emerging markets. A passionate strategist with deep market insight and a vision for growth, Gagan Gulati continues to play a key role in shaping the future of modern retail in India.

Gaurav Poddar leads one of India’s leading textile and apparel companies with a strong portfolio of fabric and fashion brands. As a third-generation member of the promoter family, he plays a key role in steering the company toward its next phase of evolution.

Gaurav leads Siyaram’s expansion into retail-led growth, building new businesses in fast fashion and men’s ethnic wear. His work centers on translating the company’s deep capabilities in manufacturing, branding, and distribution into scalable, future-ready retail formats aligned with evolving consumer preferences. Beyond business growth, Gaurav is closely involved in shaping the company’s strategic direction and driving technology adoption across functions. He focuses on leveraging digital tools, automation, and systems thinking to enhance operational efficiency and enable data-driven decision-making.

Gaurav holds a BSE in Industrial & Operations Engineering from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, and an MBA from S.P. Jain Institute of Management & Research. He is currently a participant in the Owner/President Management program at Harvard Business School. He is a member of YPO (Young Presidents’ Organization), a global leadership community.

Giovanni Princiotta Cariddi is a senior real estate executive with over 20 years of experience managing large-scale retail and mixed-use portfolios across Europe and emerging markets. As Country Manager – India at Ingka Centres, he is leading the company’s market entry and building its India platform from the ground up, shaping long-term growth in one of the world’s most dynamic consumer markets.

He brings a strong track record of multi-country P&L leadership, having overseen a €2B+ portfolio across six European markets, alongside full-scope general management of complex retail assets. His expertise spans portfolio governance, operations, and organisational build, with leadership experience across Switzerland, France, Central Europe, and India.

Operating consistently at Director and VP levels, Giovanni has led diverse teams of 50–150 professionals across geographies. He is also focused on high-performance leadership, currently working with Luigi Mazzola to apply elite performance principles to executive decision-making.

A senior retail leader with over two decades of experience, he specializes in driving business growth, operational excellence, and market expansion across organized retail and consumer-facing businesses in India. He has a proven ability to lead large teams, enhance profitability, and build scalable retail models in competitive markets.

His experience spans diverse formats, including department stores, convenience retail, e-commerce, luxury, lifestyle, and specialty retail. Over the years, he has led large-scale operations, driven business development initiatives, strengthened marketing strategies, and implemented best-in-class technology and processes.

He has held key roles with leading organizations such as Shoppers’ Stop, Hindustan Unilever, Next Retail, Future Retail, and Bhima Jewels. A results-driven professional, he brings deep industry insight, a passion for innovation, and a strong focus on delivering sustainable business success.

Gyan Prakash Srivastava is a seasoned retail leader with over 16 years of experience in the consumer and apparel industry. Currently serving as AVP – Retail at UnderNeat, he leads the development of offline retail infrastructure and customer experience. He previously played a key role in building Devo (Siyaram Group) and has held positions with leading brands including Manyavar Mohey, Lacoste, Adidas, Bata, and Videocon. His expertise spans brand building, retail expansion, and operational excellence, with a strong focus on execution-led growth.

Harsh Vardhan Bansal is the Co-Founder of Unity Group, a prominent real estate firm known for developing commercial, retail, hospitality, and institutional projects across Delhi-NCR. With extensive experience in corporate governance and real estate operations, he holds directorial roles across multiple companies and contributes to strategic business development and project execution. Unity Group has delivered millions of square feet of real estate and over 100 developments, shaping key urban spaces in the capital. Bansal is also actively engaged in industry forums, contributing to discussions on sustainable redevelopment and urban infrastructure.

Himanshu joined Acevector in Nov 2021 and is currently the CEO of Stellaro Brands (a part of Acevector Group). He is an experienced industry leader with experience in FMCG, retail and fashion. He also has significant exposure to technology solutioning and ecommerce during his stints in retail and fashion. Himanshu’s previous assignments spanned Snapdeal (CEO), Arvind Fashions, The Mobile Store (Essar), Trent Limited (Tata Group) and Lakme Lever (Hindustan Unilever), to name a few. With the help of the young Stellaro team, Himanshu is building Rangita as the first national ethnicwear brand in the value segment. One of the leading brands in ethnic wear value segment at Amazon and Myntra, Rangita launched its own hand-crafted store experience in 2024 across specific South markets. Himanshu is a B.Tech from Indian Institute of Technology, Kanpur, post which, he completed his Post Graduation in Marketing & Finance from Indian Institute of Management, Bangalore.

Himanshu Kwatra is more than just a leader, he is a visionary in the world of real estate. Actively involved in every stage of development, from the drawing board to on-ground execution, his commitment, tenacity, and forward-thinking approach have not only shaped the company’s identity but have also positioned its projects as iconic landmarks in the industry.

Under his leadership, Western Living has strengthened its positioning as a curated destination for luxury, expanding its footprint and enhancing customer experience across touchpoints. Himanshu has been instrumental in shaping the brand’s strategy, forging key partnerships, and aligning offerings with evolving consumer preferences in the luxurious hub of upmarket lifestyle.

Hussaine Kesury is a seasoned business leader with over two decades of experience in e-commerce, retail growth, and omnichannel transformation. He currently serves as Chief Business Officer at Pepperfry, where he leads the company’s omnichannel expansion, assisted buying, channels and franchise ecosystem — shaping India’s largest omnichannel home and furniture marketplace.
Throughout his tenure at Pepperfry, Hussaine has played a pivotal role in scaling private labels, category strategy, enhancing product portfolios, and driving profitable growth across company-owned and franchise-owned studios. Previously, he has built deep expertise across B2B, strategy, sales, marketing and operations with leading organizations like eBay Motors, ICICI Bank and Tata AIA Life Insurance. His strengths lie in P&L ownership, market expansion, team leadership, and building high-impact category and retail businesses in competitive environments.

Jayanti Ganguly is the CEO of Home Centre, one of India’s leading home retail brands, part of the Landmark Group. With over two decades of experience in retail, merchandising, and business leadership, she is known for driving brand transformation, product innovation, and customer-centric growth in the highly competitive home and lifestyle segment.

Ganguly has built a strong reputation for her deep understanding of consumer behavior, design sensibilities, and retail operations. Over the years, she has played a key role in shaping Home Centre’s positioning as a go-to destination for contemporary, affordable home solutions—spanning furniture, home décor, kitchenware, and furnishings. Her expertise in curating trend-forward collections and building strong sourcing and supply chain ecosystems has contributed significantly to the brand’s growth and differentiation in the Indian market.

As CEO, Jayanti Ganguly leads the brand’s overall strategy and operations across India, overseeing retail expansion, omnichannel integration, product design, and customer experience. She has been pivotal in accelerating Home Centre’s digital and omnichannel journey, ensuring seamless integration between online and offline retail while adapting to evolving consumer preferences.

Under her leadership, Home Centre continues to expand its footprint across key Indian cities while strengthening its identity as a design-led, value-driven brand. Ganguly remains focused on innovation, sustainability, and delivering elevated home solutions tailored to modern Indian lifestyles.

Joel Tillekeratne is a Sri Lankan entrepreneur and the founder of Carnage, Sri Lanka’s fastest-growing activewear and fitness brands. Built from a passion for fitness and performance, he has grown Carnage into a leading name in Sri Lanka’s sportswear space, with 6 stores islandwide and a strong community-driven presence. As Founder, he has played a pivotal role in transforming the company into a recognized name through bold innovation, strong consumer connect, and a deep understanding of evolving fashion trends.

Under his leadership, Carnage has expanded its footprint across retail and digital channels, building a loyal customer base and a strong market presence. Joel has been instrumental in creating a brand identity that resonates with modern consumers through contemporary designs, accessible style, and consistent quality. A forward-thinking and execution-driven leader, Joel continues to focus on innovation, market expansion, and long-term brand value creation.

Joseph Paul George is the Executive Director of Vismay, a leading women’s ethnic wear brand from Kerala with a growing multi-store presence across South India and set to expand at a pan-India level. A third-generation retail entrepreneur, he blends legacy with modern, data-driven retail strategies. At Vismay, he drives store-led expansion, agile merchandising, and customer-first innovation, integrating digital platforms, social commerce, and personalization to enhance omnichannel experiences. His future-focused vision combines ethnic fashion with contemporary retail systems to build a scalable and resilient brand.

Kabir Kate is a dynamic marketing leader with strong expertise in brand building, digital growth, and consumer engagement. As Chief Marketing Officer at Solitario, he leads the company’s marketing strategy, brand positioning, and customer acquisition initiatives, driving visibility and growth in a competitive lifestyle market.

With experience spanning integrated marketing, performance campaigns, content strategy, and omni-channel brand development, Kabir has played a key role in strengthening Solitario’s market presence and creating high-impact consumer connect programs. He has successfully led initiatives focused on brand awareness, demand generation, and enhancing customer loyalty across digital and offline channels.

Known for blending creativity with analytics, Kabir has built data-driven marketing strategies that improve conversion, optimize customer journeys, and deliver measurable business outcomes. His strong understanding of evolving consumer behavior and market trends has enabled agile campaigns that resonate with modern audiences.

A collaborative and forward-thinking leader, Kabir continues to champion innovation, storytelling, and growth-led marketing, helping position Solitario as a distinctive and aspirational brand.

Kanishk Arya is a growth marketing leader at SleepyCat, known for driving high-impact, data-led marketing strategies in the consumer and D2C space. With a background spanning startups and large organizations across media, retail, and internet businesses, he brings a sharp blend of brand building and performance marketing expertise.

At SleepyCat, Arya plays a key role in scaling the brand’s digital growth, focusing on customer acquisition, retention, and full-funnel marketing effectiveness. His approach combines creative storytelling with performance-driven execution, enabling the brand to build strong consumer recall while delivering measurable business outcomes.

He has also gained valuable international exposure, having worked across markets such as Australia and the United Kingdom, which has shaped his understanding of global consumer behavior and cross-market growth strategies.

Kanwaljit Singh is the Founder and Managing Partner of Fireside Ventures, one of India’s leading venture capital firms focused on building and scaling consumer brands. With over two decades of experience across investing, operating roles, and entrepreneurship, he has been instrumental in nurturing some of the country’s most promising direct-to-consumer (D2C) startups.

At Fireside Ventures, Kanwal leads investment strategy and portfolio development, backing brands that are reimagining consumer experiences across categories. His deep understanding of brand-building, distribution, and consumer behavior has enabled him to partner closely with founders to drive sustainable growth and long-term value creation.

Prior to founding Fireside Ventures, Kanwal held leadership roles at global organizations including Helion Venture Partners and Microsoft, where he gained extensive experience in scaling businesses and identifying high-growth opportunities.

Known for his founder-first approach and sharp market insights, Kanwal is a respected voice in India’s startup and investment ecosystem. He continues to play a key role in shaping the next generation of consumer brands through strategic mentorship and capital support.

Kumar Nitesh brings over 24 years of extensive experience in retail leadership across India, Thailand, Bangladesh, and the Middle East.His experience spans over two decades in the retail industry, focusing on developing scalable retail formats and pioneering B2B/B2B2C strategies.In his current role, he leads the strategic growth of AJIO’s business and the Trends Footwear segment, with a strong focus on scaling operations, strengthening category leadership, and enhancing customer value propositions.

He has deep expertise in developing and scaling private labels, having played a pivotal role in building and growing brands such as Lee Cooper, Performax, and Catwalk. His ability to blend product strategy, merchandising, and consumer insights has consistently enabled strong brand positioning and improved margins. With a leadership style rooted in innovation, agility, and performance, Kumar Nitesh continues to play a key role in shaping the future of fashion and footwear retail within Reliance Retail’s rapidly evolving ecosystem.

Ketan Kalra is a dynamic business leader with strong expertise in food retail, brand building, and consumer-driven business growth. As Managing Director of Superdonut, he leads the company’s strategic vision, expansion initiatives, and operational excellence, driving the brand’s growth in the competitive food and beverage sector. With deep experience in retail operations, customer engagement, and business development, Ketan has played a key role in strengthening Superdonut’s market presence through innovative offerings, scalable operations, and experience-led customer strategies. His focus on quality, consistency, and evolving consumer preferences has helped the brand build a strong connection with modern audiences.

Known for his execution-driven leadership and entrepreneurial mindset, Ketan combines commercial acumen with a passion for creating differentiated food experiences. He has successfully led initiatives focused on business expansion, operational efficiency, and brand positioning, enabling sustainable growth in a rapidly evolving market. A forward-looking professional, Ketan continues to champion innovation, customer-centricity, and scalable growth, positioning Superdonut as an emerging and distinctive player in the food and lifestyle space.

Kush holds a Bachelor of Engineering with Honours from the University of Leicester, UK, a Minor in Management from the London School of Economics, and an MBA from the Indian School of Business. This strong academic foundation across leading institutions in the UK and India has equipped him with both technical rigour and sharp business insight.

Driven by a deep love for Indian heritage, Kush co-founded Amukti alongside his father and mother, a women’s ethnic fashion brand that celebrates India’s timeless tradition of hand-block printing and artisanal craft. What began as a family vision has grown into a thriving pan-India brand with over 33 showrooms, making authentic Indian craftsmanship accessible and aspirational for the modern Indian woman.

Lakhbir Singh is a distinguished apparel and retail professional with strong expertise in denim, brand growth, and multi-channel distribution. Associated with Killer Jeans, he has played a key role in driving business expansion, strengthening market presence, and enhancing brand visibility in India’s competitive fashion landscape.

A forward-thinking professional, Lakhbir continues to focus on innovation, customer-centric strategies, and long-term value creation in the dynamic fashion retail space. With deep experience in sales strategy, retail operations, channel development, and merchandising, he has contributed to scaling the brand across exclusive stores, large-format retail, and multi-brand outlets. He has been instrumental in initiatives focused on improving product reach, optimizing distribution networks, and aligning offerings with evolving consumer trends in the denim and youth fashion segments.

Known for his execution-driven approach and strong commercial acumen, Lakhbir excels at building high-performing teams, forging strategic partnerships, and delivering sustained growth. His ability to balance brand positioning with market demand has helped reinforce Killer Jeans’ standing as a leading denim brand in India. His specialties include Channel Sales Management , Modern Trade, Dist. Management, Liquidation Channel, Business Development working presently with a lifestyle brand around two decades of experience in companies like BlackBerryS, Zodiac Clothing, Duke Fashions, Classic Polo.

Experienced Head Of Retail Operations with a demonstrated history of working in the apparel and fashion industry. Skilled in Trend Analysis, Market Research, Merchandise Planning, Business Operations, and Retail Sales. Strong business development professional with a CBA focused in Business Administration and Management, General from INSEAD.

Lucio Guerra is an internationally acclaimed architect and design leader, known for shaping some of the world’s most iconic retail and mixed-use destinations. As Chief Design Officer & Partner at Design International, he leads the firm’s global design vision, driving innovation across landmark projects that redefine the relationship between architecture, commerce, and urban experience.

With decades of experience in large-scale developments, Lucio has spearheaded the design of award-winning shopping centres and lifestyle destinations across Europe, the Middle East, and Asia. His work is distinguished by a strong emphasis on experiential design, placemaking, and the seamless integration of cultural context with contemporary architecture.

Under his creative leadership, Design International has delivered transformative projects that elevate customer engagement and commercial performance, positioning destinations as vibrant social and cultural hubs. Lucio’s ability to blend artistic vision with strategic thinking has made him a trusted partner for developers seeking to create future-ready, experience-driven environments.
A thought leader in retail architecture, he continues to push the boundaries of design by championing sustainability, innovation, and human-centric spaces that respond to evolving consumer behaviors.

Madhu Joshi is the Managing Director of MK Illumination, a global company with Austria HQ is on a mission to combine festive and atmosphere lighting. He’s brings in over 25 yrs of experience in working with international brands in ConsumerTech & Retail and responsible for setting up bus9ness operations for BELKIN, Energizer and mostly recently SONOS.

Madhulika Tiwari is a seasoned consultant with over 20 years of experience advising brands across the retail, fashion, beauty, and consumer goods value chain. Her expertise lies in commercial due diligence, market assessment, and entry and growth strategies, particularly for businesses navigating dynamic customer expectations and competitive landscapes. With a strong foundation in both economics and fashion business, Madhulika seamlessly blends analytical rigour with market intuition. She has led multi-country engagements for new market entrants, M&A assessments, and category-level strategic repositioning. Her work is marked by depth, precision, and a bias for clarity and action.

Madhulika also serves as a mentor to emerging professionals and women leaders in the industry. Her perspective is especially valued in high-growth consumer segments like beauty, wellness, and omni-channel retail, where agility and insight matter most.

Mallikarjuna Reddy Yarabolu is a seasoned business leader with over two decades of experience across retail, FMCG, apparel, and lifestyle. As Managing Director for De Beers Group in India, including Forevermark, he leads the company’s strategic direction and growth in a key global market for diamond jewellery.

He has previously held leadership roles at Walmart International, Nestlé India, Aditya Birla Fashion and Retail, and Arvind Fashions, where he drove expansion, strengthened brand positioning, and delivered consistent business performance. Known for his strong commercial acumen and deep understanding of evolving consumer behaviour, he brings both strategic clarity and executional discipline.

At De Beers, he is focused on building a differentiated brand anchored in product integrity, design excellence, and a progressive retail vision, while fostering high-performance teams and future-ready businesses.

Manish Kapoor is the Managing Director of Marks & Spencer India, where he leads the brand’s strategic direction, expansion, and operations in a key international market. With over two decades of experience in fashion retail, he brings strong expertise across product, supply chain, brand management, marketing, and retail operations, driving customer-centric growth and strengthening the brand’s positioning in India.

Prior to this, Kapoor served as Managing Director and CEO at Pepe Jeans India Ltd., where he played a crucial role in transforming the business by aligning local strategies with global objectives. Joining in 2014 as Vice President – Sales, he progressed through leadership roles including Sales Director and Chief Business Officer, becoming CEO in 2019 and Managing Director in 2022. During his tenure, he led key innovations such as Pepe HD and earned accolades including The Economic Times Inspiring CEO.

Kapoor has also held leadership roles at French Connection, Sisley, Benetton India, Pantaloons, and Madura Garments. He holds a B.Tech from Technological Institute of Textiles and Science and a postgraduate diploma from National Institute of Fashion Technology, where he was a gold medallist and All India topper.

He is a key member of the Fashion Vertical at Aditya Birla Group, where he leads expansion and alternate channels for international brands under the Aditya Birla Fashion and Retail Limited portfolio, including The Collective, Ted Baker, Hackett, Ralph Lauren, Fred Perry, and Galeries Lafayette in India. He rejoined the organization in 2023, marking his second stint with the company.

Previously, he was associated with Aditya Birla Fashion and Retail Limited from 2008 to 2019, where he held various roles in operations and eventually headed expansion for all mono-brand stores in malls. Between his two tenures at Aditya Birla Fashion, he led the Retail vertical at VIP Industries Ltd., a leading luggage company.

With a strong background in retail operations and expansion, he brings a comprehensive understanding of brand rollouts, mall partnerships, and market growth strategies across premium and international fashion formats.

Manoj Singh is a seasoned retail real estate leader with extensive experience in mall management, leasing strategy, and large-scale retail operations. As Senior Vice President – Forum Malls at Prestige Group, he leads the strategic direction, performance, and expansion of the Forum Malls portfolio, one of India’s most prominent retail destination platforms.

With deep expertise in retail leasing, tenant mix optimization, asset management, and consumer experience, Manoj has played a key role in enhancing footfalls, improving asset productivity, and driving revenue growth across premium mall developments. He has successfully led initiatives focused on positioning malls as experiential destinations, integrating retail, entertainment, and lifestyle offerings.

Known for his strong commercial acumen and execution excellence, Manoj has built high-performing teams and fostered long-term partnerships with leading national and international brands. His ability to align market trends with on-ground execution has consistently delivered sustainable growth and enhanced asset value.

A forward-thinking and collaborative leader, he continues to drive innovation, operational excellence, and customer-centric retail strategies, contributing to the evolution of India’s modern retail ecosystem.

Mayank Mohan is a dynamic business leader spearheading the growth and transformation of Mohanlal Sons, one of India’s oldest and most recognized menswear and celebration wear retailers. As Partner & CEO, he is focused on driving business strategy, retail expansion, and customer-centric growth, with a vision to position the company among the country’s leading retail brands.Under his leadership, Mohanlal Sons has evolved into a specialized celebration wear destination while expanding aggressively across Tier II and Tier III markets. He has played a key role in building a scalable and future-ready retail model aligned with changing consumer preferences and India’s rapidly evolving fashion landscape.

Mayank currently oversees the operations of 38 stores across 20 cities, driving operational excellence, strategic scalability, and enhanced customer experiences. With a strong entrepreneurial mindset and deep understanding of retail dynamics, he continues to introduce innovative solutions to traditional retail challenges, creating sustainable growth opportunities for the brand. Prior to joining Mohanlal Sons, Mayank worked on strategic consulting projects at Deloitte, where he gained valuable expertise in business strategy and implementation.

Meghna Trivedi is a seasoned retail real estate expert with over two decades of experience across diverse formats, including anchor stores, vanilla retail, high-street developments, and multiplex placements. She is widely recognized for her ability to scale brands during early growth stages and navigate complex real estate transactions with strategic precision.

Her expertise spans format development, franchise expansion, capital expenditure optimization, and asset management across multiple consumer-facing businesses. Known for combining commercial acumen with execution excellence, she has consistently driven sustainable growth and value creation in dynamic retail environments.

Milin Rohinesh is a distinguished retail real estate leader with deep expertise in market strategy, leasing advisory, and expansion planning across India’s evolving retail landscape. As Executive Director and Head of Retail – India at Cushman & Wakefield, he leads the firm’s national retail business, advising leading brands, developers, and investors on growth opportunities and market transformation.

With extensive experience spanning retail leasing, occupier services, landlord representation, and portfolio strategy, Milin has played a pivotal role in enabling domestic and international brands to scale across India. He has successfully guided flagship launches, multi-city rollouts, high street strategies, and premium mall positioning across key consumption markets. Known for his strong commercial acumen and data-led market insights, Milin combines strategic vision with execution excellence to deliver measurable outcomes for clients. His understanding of consumer trends, location analytics, and changing retail formats has helped shape high-performing retail destinations and successful brand entry strategies.

A collaborative and future-focused leader, Milin continues to champion innovation, omnichannel integration, and experience-led retail growth, contributing significantly to the advancement of India’s modern retail ecosystem.

Mohammad Ghazanfar Ali is a seasoned business leader with strong expertise in real estate operations, strategic growth, and large-scale asset management. As Chief Operating Officer of Overseas Realty (Ceylon) PLC, he oversees business operations, commercial performance, and strategic initiatives for one of Sri Lanka’s prominent real estate organizations. With extensive experience in property management, hospitality-linked assets, leasing strategy, and operational excellence, Ghazanfar has played a key role in enhancing asset value, optimizing business performance, and strengthening customer experiences across premium developments. He has successfully led initiatives focused on operational efficiency, revenue enhancement, stakeholder management, and sustainable growth.

Known for his execution-focused leadership style, he combines commercial acumen with strong operational discipline to deliver measurable results in competitive market environments. His ability to manage complex portfolios, lead cross-functional teams, and align operations with long-term strategic objectives has contributed significantly to organizational success. A collaborative and forward-looking professional, Ghazanfar continues to champion innovation, service excellence, and value creation, positioning Overseas Realty (Ceylon) PLC for continued growth and market leadership.

Mohit Dhanjal is the Chief Operating Officer of Metro Brands Limited, having joined the organization in August 2024. With over three decades of experience in the fashion and lifestyle retail industry, he brings deep expertise in driving business growth and operational excellence across diverse retail formats.

Prior to this, he served as Chief Revenue Officer at Reliance Retail, where he played a key role in scaling the premium beauty platform Tira. His career spans leadership roles at prominent organizations including Sephora India, Raymond Limited, and Hindustan Unilever.

Known for his customer-centric approach and operational rigor, Mohit is focused on strengthening execution capabilities and leading the next phase of growth at Metro Brands.

Mohit Khattar is the CEO of Graviss Foods Pvt. Ltd., the master franchisee of Baskin Robbins in India and parts of South Asia. A seasoned business leader, he brings extensive experience across retail, marketing, and consumer businesses. Since taking over as CEO in 2017, he has played a key role in driving the brand’s expansion and strengthening its market presence. Prior to this, he held leadership roles at Godrej Industries, including CEO & Managing Director of Nature’s Basket, and led retail strategy and branding initiatives. His earlier career spans companies such as Titan, Reckitt Benckiser, and Subhiksha.

Monica Mhatre is a seasoned legal and social development professional with over 25 years of diverse experience spanning corporate legal advisory, real estate, litigation, and social impact initiatives. As Associate Director – Legal & FEC at West Pioneer Properties India Pvt. Ltd., she plays a dual role providing strategic legal counsel to the organisation while actively contributing to the growth and development of its Family Entertainment Centres (FEC) vertical. Her work extends beyond legal frameworks into business strategy, where she is involved in concept development, feasibility analysis, stakeholder alignment, and the execution of experiential, destination led entertainment formats.

Monica brings a unique perspective to the FEC business by integrating legal acumen with a strong understanding of consumer experience, operational viability, and long-term sustainability. Her contributions focus on building entertainment ecosystems that create value for consumers, retail environments, and communities alike. Prior to her corporate role, Monica practiced as an Advocate at the Bombay High Court, handling a wide range of civil matters. She has also been deeply engaged with NGOs and community organisations, working on issues related to human rights, education, women’s empowerment, environmental sustainability, and legal awareness.

She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Law and a Master’s degree in Global Development and Social Justice from St. John’s University, USA an academic foundation that reflects her commitment to integrating law, ethics, business, and social impact. Known for her integrity, clarity of thought, and people-centric approach, Monica continues to operate at the intersection of law, business, experiential entertainment, and social development.

Muhamed Fawaz is a dynamic retail and mall management professional with strong expertise in retail operations, commercial leasing, customer engagement, and destination-led retail development. Associated with HiLITE Malls & Retail, he plays a key role in driving business growth, enhancing customer experiences, and strengthening the company’s position in India’s evolving retail landscape.

With deep experience in mall operations, tenant relationships, retail strategy, and experiential commerce, Muhamed has contributed to creating vibrant retail destinations that blend shopping, entertainment, and lifestyle experiences. He has been instrumental in initiatives focused on improving footfalls, optimizing retail mix, and enhancing operational efficiency across retail assets.

Known for his customer-centric approach and execution excellence, Muhamed combines strong commercial understanding with operational agility to deliver sustainable business performance. His ability to build strong stakeholder partnerships and align retail experiences with changing consumer preferences has helped strengthen brand and tenant engagement.
A forward-looking professional, he continues to champion innovation, experiential retail, and growth-led strategies that contribute to the expansion and success of HiLITE Malls & Retail.

Mukesh Kumar has nearly three decades of extensive experience in the retail and hospitality industries, having spent almost two decades with K Raheja Realty. He leads the operations, leasing and marketing of Infiniti Malls, Andheri and Malad—two of the company’s flagship properties. He is all set to focus on further elevating the retail experience at both malls by enhancing customer satisfaction, optimizing services, and introducing innovative technologies. In his current role, Kumar leads the strategic direction and growth of the malls business while also driving new business initiatives for the organization. His responsibilities span end-to-end asset management, including leasing strategy, revenue optimization, operations, and the creation of compelling, experience-led retail environments that align with evolving consumer expectations.

Kumar has also made notable contributions to the industry as the former Chairman of the Shopping Centres Association of India (SCAI), where he worked closely with stakeholders to drive industry collaboration, advocate for progressive policies, and promote best practices in shopping centre development and management. With a strong focus on innovation, operational excellence, and consumer-centricity, Mukesh Kumar continues to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of India’s retail real estate landscape, driving the evolution of malls into dynamic, omnichannel, and experience-driven destinations.

Munish Khanna is the Chief Business Officer at Express Avenue, a leading retail and entertainment destination in Chennai. In his role, he is responsible for driving business growth and enhancing consumer engagement through curated experiences and initiatives at the mall. He has been associated with key customer-centric activations, including wellness and lifestyle events aimed at delivering holistic experiences for visitors. Known for his focus on relevance and impact, he plays a key role in shaping strategies that strengthen the mall’s positioning and patron connect in a competitive retail environment

A Chartered Accountant and law graduate, Mr. Jain is a seasoned entrepreneur with over 25 years of experience across finance, education, real estate, retail infrastructure, and the food & beverage sector. Known for his strong financial acumen and strategic vision, he has built scalable ventures across diverse industries.

As the Founder of GKJ Special Foods Pvt. Ltd., he has developed successful vegetarian QSR brands such as Rajwada Bhog, Amritsari Express, Cafe Chennai, and Chaat Masala, blending authentic regional flavors with modern retail formats. Amritsari Express, his flagship brand, has gained strong recognition for its signature kulchas and North Indian cuisine, earning industry accolades and customer loyalty.

Previously, as Chief Financial Advisor with Pacific Group, Mr. Jain played a key role in strengthening the organization’s financial and strategic growth. Expanding into fine dining, he recently launched a Kathiyawadi Thali concept, now operating successful outlets in Delhi NCR with further expansion planned.

He is also the founder of Delhi Public School, Sirsa, reflecting his commitment to education and future-ready learning.

Nazme Nassre is a visionary entrepreneur and retail leader, best known for building Cool Planet into one of Sri Lanka’s leading fashion retail chains. Founded with the vision of making stylish and accessible fashion available to a wide audience, he has successfully transformed the brand into a prominent multi-brand retail destination with a strong nationwide presence.

Under his leadership, Cool Planet has expanded its footprint across key cities, strengthened its product portfolio through in-house brands, and continuously evolved its retail formats to enhance customer experience. His focus on affordability, trend relevance, and scale has enabled the brand to connect with a broad and diverse consumer base.

With deep expertise in retail strategy, merchandising, and business expansion, Nazme has consistently driven growth while adapting to changing market dynamics. His ability to blend commercial acumen with consumer insight has positioned Cool Planet at the forefront of Sri Lanka’s fast-evolving fashion landscape.

A forward-thinking leader, he continues to champion innovation, accessibility, and customer-centric retail, shaping the future of fashion retail in the region.

Nimish Arora is a seasoned real estate leader and Chartered Accountant with over 18 years of experience in developing and scaling retail and mixed-use destinations across India. As Managing Director of Aarone Group, he leads strategic growth across retail, commercial, and hospitality verticals.

He has been instrumental in shaping landmark assets such as Select CITYWALK, where he played a key role in operations, leasing, and asset positioning, and contributed to the Blackstone-led transaction culminating in the Nexus Select REIT merger. At Aarone Group, he is driving expansion into tier-2 markets, including new developments in Dehradun and a marquee hospitality venture with a global hotel brand.

Previously, he worked with Ernst & Young in transaction advisory and M&A. He also serves as Chairman of CREDAI’s National Committee and is an active member of the Entrepreneurs’ Organization.

Ninad Umargekar is the founder of HEllO EDC, a WatchLife brand built for people who engage deeply with watches beyond just wearing them. Through products like watch straps, storage, carry, and care, along with curated cultural experiences, HEllO is redefining how enthusiasts connect with timepieces. A watch lover for over two decades, Ninad started the brand to address the lack of high-quality watch accessories in India, evolving it from a passion project into a globally relevant platform.

With over 20 years of experience in brand strategy and marketing, he has held leadership roles including CMO at J.G. Hosiery (Macho) and Chief Strategy Officer at agencies such as Taproot and Famous Innovations. A Mathematics graduate with a post-graduate degree in Marketing, he combines strategic thinking with hands-on innovation.

Nishant Poddar is a seasoned marketing leader with over two decades of experience in brand building, storytelling, and consumer engagement across the fashion and lifestyle sectors. As Chief Marketing Officer at The House of Rare, he leads brand marketing, communications, digital strategy, content, community building, and consumer experience for a diverse portfolio including Rare Rabbit, Rareism, Rare Ones, and Rare’z.

Prior to this, Poddar served as Chief Marketing Officer and Head of Retail Experience at WROGN, where he played a pivotal role in shaping the brand’s identity, retail narrative, and digital ecosystem. His work significantly contributed to establishing WROGN as one of India’s most culturally relevant youth fashion brands, recognised for its originality and strong emotional connect with consumers.

Earlier, he spent nearly nine years at Café Coffee Day in key marketing leadership roles, building expertise in large-format retail and brand-led growth. He began his career with Sealand Container Services, gaining foundational operational experience.

An alumnus of IIM Calcutta, with further credentials from Wharton Online and IIT Bombay, Poddar is known for his philosophy that simplicity drives impact, blending strategic insight with creative execution to build enduring, community-driven brands.

Nitin Bir serves as Vice President, Retail Leasing at Brookfield Properties India, based in Mumbai. With over three decades of diverse experience spanning retail real estate, hospitality, and commercial perations, Nitin plays a pivotal role in driving the strategic direction and execution of high-street retail leasing initiatives across the company’s portfolio.

Prior to joining Brookfield Properties in 2025, Nitin was Vice President – Malls at Infiniti Mall, where he oversaw two operational properties in Mumbai with a combined leasable area of 1.42 million sq. ft. Under his leadership, the assets achieved a 23% year-on-year revenue growth and garnered multiple industry accolades. His responsibilities included leasing, finance, marketing, and customer experience.

He has previously held senior leadership roles at organizations such as Mantri Developers, Forum Malls, North Country Mall, and Inorbit Malls. Nitin began his career in the hospitality sector with renowned names like The Hilton, Taj Group, ITC Hotels and Radisson, where he built a solid foundation in F&B and overall hotel operations. Nitin holds a Post Graduate Diploma in Business Management from IMT Ghaziabad, a bachelor’s degree from Delhi University, and a diploma in Hotel Management from IHM Ahmedabad.

Nitin Mhatre is the Chief Operating Officer at West Pioneer Properties India Pvt. Ltd., bringing with him over 18 years of extensive experience in the retail and real estate industry. Over the course of his career, he has demonstrated strong leadership in operations, asset management, and the development of consumer- centric retail destinations.

In his current role, Nitin plays a pivotal role in driving operational excellence and strategic growth initiatives for the company. He has been actively involved in conceptualizing and setting up Zingeria, the Family Entertainment Centre at Metro Junction Mall, where he has focused on building a destination-led retail experience that enhances footfall, dwell time, and overall consumer engagement.

With a deep understanding of evolving consumer preferences and market dynamics, Nitin is currently leading efforts to identify and evaluate strategic locations across major metro cities for future expansion. The team remains highly optimistic about the market response to Zingverse, positioning it as a key growth engine and a cornerstone of the company’s long-term expansion strategy.

Nitin’s expertise lies in blending operational efficiency with innovative retail concepts, making him a prominent voice in the retail real estate and experiential destination space.

Peeyush Agarwal is the CEO of Smarr Realty, where he leads the company’s vision of delivering transparent, customer-centric, and technology-enabled real estate solutions. With a strong entrepreneurial mindset, he has been instrumental in building Smarr Realty into a trusted name in the real estate advisory space.

Agarwal brings extensive experience in real estate strategy, sales, and client advisory, with a focus on simplifying property transactions and enhancing customer trust in a traditionally complex sector. Under his leadership, the company has emphasized innovation, digital integration, and data-driven insights to improve decision-making for homebuyers and investors.

He is known for his sharp understanding of market dynamics, strong execution capabilities, and ability to build high-performing teams. His approach combines on-ground expertise with modern business practices, enabling scalable growth and consistent client satisfaction.

As CEO, Peeyush Agarwal continues to drive Smarr Realty’s expansion while reinforcing its commitment to integrity, transparency, and long-term value creation in India’s evolving real estate landscape.

An accomplished real estate professional, he brings extensive leadership experience in developing, operating, and scaling large, complex mixed-use projects and businesses across their full lifecycle. He has worked on or advised over 100 developments spanning residential, commercial, retail, IT/ITES, hospitality, and townships.

He successfully developed, operated, and exited a chain of shopping centres attracting over 24 million annual visitors and housing 250+ tenants across multiple cities. He also spearheaded the development of Select Citywalk, New Delhi—a landmark 1.4 million sq. ft. mixed-use project now part of a REIT backed by Blackstone.

His expertise includes building high-performing teams, fostering strategic partnerships, and driving innovation, including mentoring early-stage tech startups. He has held leadership roles such as Managing Principal at Keystone Development Advisory and Founder & CEO at STARCENTRES, along with senior positions at Nexus Select CITYWALK and JLL India.

Prashant Narula is a results-oriented leader with a strong track record of driving business growth, operational excellence, and brand expansion. He exhibits a bifocal and positive leadership of proactively participating in all aspects of strategy, business and management with an equal bias on driving action with diverse perspectives on building better operational processes for long term sustenance with an intent to aggrandize the organization culture & structure.

With deep expertise in operations management, business development, and revenue optimization, Prashant has led initiatives that have strengthened profitability, streamlined processes, and improved overall efficiency. He has been instrumental in expanding market presence, launching new concepts, and building high-performing teams that deliver consistent service excellence.

With over 20 years of experience amplified with a course from Stanford University and a top business college degree, he is known for his hands-on leadership style and sharp understanding of consumer trends. Prashant excels at translating market insights into actionable strategies that drive footfall, engagement, and repeat business. His ability to balance operational discipline with innovation has contributed significantly to sustainable growth in a competitive hospitality landscape.

Prateek Kataria is a dynamic business leader known for building and scaling high-growth ventures across global markets. As Co-Founder of RightChoice.ai, he is helping 150+ enterprises across India, SEA, MENA, and the Americas transform their local marketing through AI-led solutions.

Beyond this, Prateek serves as Chief Business Officer & Founding Member at Phoenix Tech Labs, and has been an active angel investor with Upscale, backing emerging businesses and driving innovation. Previously, as Vice President – Enterprise Business at MSB Docs, he led global sales, marketing, and fundraising initiatives.

At RightChoice.ai, Prateek is focused on empowering local businesses through AI-led marketing solutions. Under his leadership, the platform has emerged as an award-winning solution in local marketing, helping brands strengthen their presence across 30+ directories and achieve superior local rankings. The platform is trusted by leading brands such as Castrol, Max Healthcare, Physics Wallah, Cashify, OYO, and BlueStone.

Pravin Bhoj is an accomplished supply chain and operations professional known for driving efficiency, scalability, and strategic growth in the retail sector. With a strong focus on optimizing end-to-end supply chain functions, he has successfully led initiatives that enhance operational agility while maintaining cost efficiency in highly competitive markets.

At the core of his leadership approach is the integration of advanced technologies such as ERP and RFID systems, enabling smarter inventory management, real-time visibility, and data-driven decision-making. His ability to modernize traditional supply chain frameworks has helped organizations adapt to the rapidly evolving retail landscape.

Pravin is recognized for his collaborative style, working closely with cross-functional stakeholders to design and implement agile distribution strategies. His commitment to operational excellence and customer-centric outcomes has consistently delivered measurable improvements in performance, service levels, and overall business impact.

Driven by a passion for innovation and continuous improvement, he remains focused on building resilient supply chains that not only meet industry benchmarks but set new standards for efficiency and customer satisfaction.

Prerna Mohan, is the Founding Principal of Prerna Mohan Design Studio, a nationally known, award winning architecture and interior design consulting firm with over 7 years of experience in designing and sustainable planning. As a young 25 years old Prerna, a noted architect and critic Mr. Premnath described her as “one of the real brains of the generation.” Today, she continues the tradition of “Prerna Mohan Design Studio”, first developed and conceived by her. She has done credible yet voluntary work for NDMC like forming the design guidelines and policy making for Children’s Park located in New Delhi. She was the designer for playground equipment, outdoor gym equipment, aquarium design, subway entrances etc.

With deep expertise in concept development, interior architecture, spatial design, and brand-led environments, Prerna has successfully built a studio known for blending aesthetics with functionality. Under her leadership, PM Design Studio has delivered high-impact projects that reflect contemporary sensibilities while responding to client needs and market trends. Known for her keen eye for detail and ability to translate ideas into immersive experiences, Prerna has partnered with brands, developers, and private clients to create spaces that enhance engagement, usability, and emotional connection. Her design philosophy centers on innovation, personalization, and timeless appeal.

Priyanshu Kumar comes with over 16 years of cross-industry experience, spanning Media, Fashion, F&B, and Technology. He has a proven track record in orchestrating large-scale digital transformation initiatives to bridge gap across consumer offering, experience and value. He is an expert at identifying untapped growth levers and implementing data-backed strategies to drive sustainable profitability. Mantra to live by – think like a consumer before you sell it.

Priyaranjan Manay is a seasoned retail and fashion industry professional with extensive experience in brand growth, sales leadership, and market expansion. As Associate Vice President at Pepe Jeans London, he plays a key role in driving business strategy, strengthening market presence, and accelerating growth across competitive fashion and lifestyle segments.

With strong expertise in retail operations, channel development, merchandising, and consumer engagement, Priyaranjan has successfully led initiatives focused on enhancing brand visibility, improving commercial performance, and expanding distribution networks. He brings a deep understanding of evolving consumer trends and omni-channel retail dynamics, enabling brands to remain agile and relevant in a rapidly changing market.

Known for his strategic mindset and execution excellence, he has consistently delivered growth by building strong partnerships, optimizing retail performance, and driving customer-centric business strategies. His ability to blend operational efficiency with brand positioning has contributed significantly to sustainable business success.

A collaborative and forward-looking leader, Priyaranjan continues to focus on innovation, market expansion, and delivering impactful retail experiences in the global fashion industry.

Purvaa Kapadia is a seasoned marketing leader with over 20 years of experience building iconic brands at the intersection of global standards and Indian market insight. Her career spans fashion, lifestyle, and beauty retail, with leadership roles at Marks & Spencer India, Hindustan Unilever/Lakmé Salons, Shoppers Stop, and now Blackberrys Menswear.

She brings end-to-end expertise across brand strategy, omnichannel growth, CRM and loyalty, performance marketing, and content—owning outcomes with strong P&L accountability. Known for blending global brand thinking with deep Indian retail understanding, she has successfully localized international brands for Indian consumers without diluting their core identity.

At Marks & Spencer India, she played a pivotal role in translating British heritage into a compelling local narrative. A growth marketer at heart, she consistently drives measurable business impact across footfall, conversion, and digital engagement.

Her expertise includes brand strategy, omnichannel marketing, CRM, consumer insights, and India market entry.

Pushpa Bector is the Executive Director at DLF Retail, and a widely respected leader in India’s retail and shopping centre industry, with over two decades of rich experience spanning business strategy, marketing, and large-scale retail operations.At DLF Retail, Bector has been instrumental in shaping some of India’s most iconic retail destinations. She played a pivotal role in the conceptualization and launch of DLF Mall of India—one of the country’s largest and most successful malls—and led the strategic revamp of DLF Promenade, enhancing its positioning as a premium lifestyle destination.

Her leadership has been central to driving innovation in mall management, tenant mix curation, and experiential retail, ensuring DLF’s assets remain at the forefront of India’s evolving consumer landscape. Beyond her corporate responsibilities, Bector also serves as the Chairperson of the Shopping Centres Association of India, where she plays an influential role in shaping industry dialogue, policy advocacy, and the future direction of organized retail in the country.

Known for her strategic acumen and deep consumer insight, Pushpa Bector continues to be a driving force behind the transformation of India’s retail ecosystem, championing innovation, experience-led retail and sustainable growth.

Puspen Maity is the CEO of TechnoSport and a key force in India’s retail and fashion landscape. With over two decades of experience, he is leading TechnoSport’s transformation into a pan-India activewear brand focused on innovation, sustainability, and performance-driven design.

He began his e-commerce journey during its early stages in India with Myntra, where he played a pivotal role in scaling the business into the country’s leading online fashion destination. Over an eight-year tenure, he led major categories and initiatives that reshaped how Indian consumers engaged with fashion online, while also enabling traditional brands to embrace digital commerce.

Since becoming CEO in 2022, Puspen has driven TechnoSport’s growth by expanding its retail footprint, strengthening exclusive brand outlets (EBOs), and focusing on vertically integrated operations. His leadership has helped redefine activewear for Indian consumers—making it climate-relevant, accessible, and future-ready.

Known for building high-performance teams and fostering collaboration, he champions purpose-driven growth, ensuring Indian brands scale with innovation, resilience, and strong consumer trust.

Raghav Agarwal is more than just a Director; he is a bridge between tradition and modernization. By combining his US-acquired financial acumen with a deep respect for the Indian consumer’s value-conscious mindset, he has helped V-Bazaar redefine what it means to be a “Value Retailer” in the 21st century.

Raghav is a dynamic business leader driving growth and expansion in India’s value fashion retail segment. As Director at V-Bazaar Retail, he plays a key role in shaping the company’s strategic direction, strengthening its market presence, and scaling operations across Tier II and Tier III markets. With a strong focus on affordability, accessibility, and consumer relevance, Raghav has been instrumental in expanding V-Bazaar’s footprint and enhancing its positioning as a preferred destination for value-driven fashion. His expertise spans retail operations, merchandising, supply chain optimization, and network expansion, enabling the brand to deliver consistent growth in a competitive landscape.

Known for his execution-led approach and deep understanding of value-conscious consumer behavior, Raghav has contributed to building efficient retail formats, optimizing product assortments, and improving store productivity. His ability to combine scale with customer-centric strategies has been key to driving sustainable business performance.

A forward-looking leader, Raghav continues to focus on innovation, operational excellence, and expanding access to affordable fashion, positioning V-Bazaar for long-term growth across India’s evolving retail ecosystem. As the company continues to expand into untapped markets, Raghav’s leadership ensures that the growth is not just rapid, but sustainable and customer-centric.

Rahul Shanker is a seasoned business leader with nearly 27 years of experience across globally recognised organisations, including PepsiCo, Mars Wrigley, Philips, Avon, and Modicare. His expertise spans diverse consumer categories, from FMCG to personal care, beauty, and health & wellness.

As Group CEO of Quest Retail, Rahul leads the organisation’s next phase of growth, focusing on accelerating expansion, strengthening operational efficiency, and enhancing customer experience through innovation. He oversees all four business verticals, steering the company’s strategic direction across markets.

Quest Retail is a leading omnichannel player in the beauty, fashion, and lifestyle space, with a strong presence in India and expanding operations in Sri Lanka and Bangladesh. Under Rahul’s leadership, the group continues to build and scale a portfolio of globally renowned brands, including The Body Shop, Kiehl’s, Anastasia Beverly Hills, Kylie Cosmetics, Avon, and Max Factor.

Known for his strategic mindset and cross-category expertise, Rahul brings a strong track record of driving sustainable growth and building future-ready consumer businesses.

Rahul Singh is the Founder & CEO of The Beer Café, one of India’s largest alco-beverage chains, established in 2012. A professional-turned-entrepreneur, he has played a pivotal role in shaping and popularising beer café culture in India by creating a neighbourhood-focused, experiential format. Under his leadership, the brand has expanded across multiple cities, offering a wide selection of domestic and international beers. He is also actively associated with the National Restaurant Association of India, serving as Honorary Secretary. An alumnus of The Technological Institute of Textile & Sciences (TIT&S), he brings a diverse background spanning entrepreneurship and business leadership.

Rajat Agrawal is the CEO of Barista Coffee Company, where he leads overall business strategy, operations, investor relations, and team management. A dynamic and value-driven leader with over 20 years of experience, he is focused on strengthening brand equity and accelerating growth while enhancing guest experiences in line with evolving industry trends.

A Chartered Accountant from Institute of Chartered Accountants of India, Rajat has previously worked with global firms including EY, Grant Thornton, and Deloitte, handling diverse sectors such as retail, F&B, telecom, and IT.

He is committed to expanding Barista’s footprint across formats, fostering high-performance teams, and driving innovation, while maintaining an active lifestyle that fuels both personal and professional excellence.

Rajesh Garg is a results-driven finance leader known for delivering measurable impact across complex, high-growth organizations. As a Co-founder & CEO, Emirlabs.ai, he contributes to business leadership, influencing key investment decisions and driving turnaround and transformation initiatives.

Previously as CFO at Landmark Group, Rajesh played a key role in strengthening financial performance, optimizing cost structures, and enabling scalable growth across the group’s diverse retail and hospitality portfolio. With a strong track record of driving profitability and operational efficiency, Rajesh has led initiatives in financial planning, capital allocation, and performance management that have enhanced margins and improved business resilience. He has been instrumental in streamlining financial processes, strengthening governance frameworks, and implementing data-driven decision-making systems to support strategic expansion.

A firm believer in building high-performance teams, Rajesh combines financial discipline with strategic foresight, positioning the finance function as a key enabler of business growth and long-term success. His expertise in managing large-scale financial operations and navigating dynamic market conditions has consistently delivered sustainable value.

Rajesh Jain is the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer for Sports And Leisure Apparel Limited – Lacoste Licensee in India. He has been constantly nurturing the brand since October 2009. With his persistent efforts and focused vision, he has built and propagated Lacoste in India as a complete Lifestyle brand, offering a unique and original universe for different verticals including clothing for women, men and children, shoes, leather goods, watches, etc. His strong belief in his own quote, “Top Line, Bottom Line, Growth, Customer Delight and Human Resource Development – Everything else is merely incidental” has cultivated the brand with firm establishments reaching out to every major city/ metro of the country today.

Rajesh Kadam, the visionary CEO of Inc.5 Shoes, is a trailblazer in the footwear industry. With a keen eye for new initiatives and a strategic mindset, he has steered the brand’s offline and online growth. A marketing maven, Rajesh has orchestrated impactful campaigns, establishing Inc.5 as a household name. As CEO, he is responsible for steering the company’s overall strategy, including retail expansion, merchandising, supply chain, and brand development. Under his leadership, Inc.has continued to strengthen its market presence by focusing on design innovation, affordability, and a deep understanding of evolving consumer preferences, particularly among fashion-conscious urban audiences.

Kadam is known for his sharp commercial acumen and ability to scale retail businesses in competitive environments. He has played a key role in enhancing customer experience across both offline and online channels, while also driving efficiencies across operations and distribution.His entrepreneurial spirit extends beyond, fostering collaborations with multiple brands and venturing into new realms, marking him as a driving force in the legacy brand’s dynamic success story with his over 25 years footwear industry experience.

Rajneesh is a seasoned retail leader with over two decades of experience across operations, management, consulting, expansion, leasing, and mall management. He has been serving as CEO of Inorbit Malls since 2017, where he has strengthened organizational culture and internal processes, contributing to the company being certified as a Great Place to Work® every year since 2018.

He began his career with Barista in 2000, rapidly rising to National Head and expanding the brand to 100 stores. In 2004, he joined Cushman & Wakefield as Executive Director, building a leading retail consulting practice. Since joining Inorbit in 2009, he has played a pivotal role in leasing, operations, and business growth.

Ravi Kapoor is a seasoned consulting and business transformation leader with extensive experience in advising organizations on strategy, operational excellence, and sustainable growth. Associated with PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC), he has worked closely with businesses across industries to help them navigate complex market environments, drive transformation, and unlock long-term value. With strong expertise in business strategy, risk advisory, process optimization, and growth acceleration, Ravi has successfully led engagements focused on improving organizational performance, strengthening governance frameworks, and enabling customer-centric innovation. His work spans strategic planning, operational transformation, digital adoption, and stakeholder management across dynamic business landscapes.

Known for his analytical approach and execution-focused leadership, Ravi combines deep industry insight with practical problem-solving capabilities to deliver measurable business outcomes. He has built strong relationships with leadership teams and helped organizations align strategy with execution to achieve scalability and competitive advantage. A collaborative and forward-looking professional, Ravi continues to focus on driving innovation, operational resilience, and transformational growth for businesses in an evolving global economy.

Ravi Saxena is a pioneering entrepreneur in India’s kitchen appliances and cookware space, best known for co-founding Wonderchef and building it into one of the country’s most trusted premium kitchenware brands. With a sharp focus on innovation, design, and consumer-centricity, he has played a key role in redefining modern cooking experiences for Indian households.

Under his leadership, Wonderchef has achieved significant scale, expanding its presence across retail, e-commerce, and direct-selling channels while consistently delivering strong revenue growth. Ravi has been instrumental in developing a robust product portfolio that blends global design standards with Indian cooking needs, positioning the brand as a leader in the premium kitchen solutions segment.

With deep expertise in brand building, distribution strategy, and business development, he has successfully driven market expansion, strengthened channel partnerships, and enhanced customer engagement. His ability to identify emerging consumer trends and translate them into high-impact products has been central to the brand’s success.

A visionary leader with a strong execution focus, Ravi continues to drive innovation, operational excellence, and long-term growth, contributing to Wonderchef’s journey as a household name in India.

Ridhima Modi leads India Growth at Styli, driving the brand’s scale across e-commerce and marketplaces. With 8+ years of experience across high-growth consumer brands including Mensa Brands and Udaan, she has built and scaled businesses across categories through a strong focus on growth strategy, profitability, performance marketing, and customer understanding. Her experience spans both platform and brand ecosystems, with a sharp execution-led approach to building sustainable consumer businesses.

Robin Mangla is a seasoned real estate professional whose career spans the full spectrum of sales, marketing, and business strategy in one of India’s most dynamic and competitive sectors. A graduate of the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi, — Robin brings a rigorous analytical foundation to his work, blending engineering-grade problem-solving with sharp commercial instincts. With years of deep industry experience, Robin has emerged as a pivotal architect of M3M India’s success story — steering the company’s commercial direction at a time when luxury real estate is undergoing transformational growth.

His tenure at M3M India has been defined by a relentless focus on market leadership — from orchestrating high-impact project launches that command national attention, to crafting a brand identity synonymous with luxury, aspiration, and trust. Robin’s approach is deeply rooted in consumer insight: he reads market signals early, aligns product design and positioning with emerging demand, and ensures M3M stays ahead of the curve in an industry where timing and perception are everything.

Rohit Gopalani plays a pivotal role in driving business growth, revenue strategy, and asset performance across the company’s portfolio of premium shopping destinations.He works closely on curating the right tenant mix, enhancing brand collaborations, and delivering high-impact consumer experiences that drive footfall and tenant success.

Known for his strong understanding of retail dynamics and consumer behavior, he has been instrumental in strengthening Inorbit Malls’ positioning as a preferred destination for both brands and shoppers. His approach combines strategic foresight with execution excellence, ensuring sustained growth and competitiveness in an evolving retail landscape.With extensive experience in retail real estate and mall management, Gopalani is responsible for leading key functions including leasing, revenue optimization, partnerships, and commercial strategy.

Rohit brings a results-driven leadership style, with a focus on innovation, experiential retail, and long-term value creation. His contributions continue to shape Inorbit’s growth as a leading player in India’s organized retail and shopping centre ecosystem.

Rohit Kulkarni is a seasoned retail leader with strong expertise in store expansion, omni-channel growth, and consumer-focused retail operations. As General Manager & Head – Exclusive Stores at TechnoSport, he leads the strategy, growth, and performance of the brand’s exclusive retail network, playing a pivotal role in strengthening its direct-to-consumer presence across India.

With deep experience in retail operations, network development, sales growth, and customer experience, Rohit has been instrumental in scaling TechnoSport’s exclusive store footprint and building high-performing retail formats that align with evolving consumer lifestyles. He has successfully driven initiatives focused on store productivity, operational efficiency, and market penetration in key urban and emerging markets.

Known for his execution-led leadership style, Rohit combines commercial acumen with a strong understanding of the athleisure and performance wear market. His ability to create seamless in-store experiences, optimize merchandising strategies, and build customer loyalty has contributed significantly to the brand’s continued growth.

A collaborative and forward-thinking professional, Rohit continues to focus on retail innovation, expansion excellence, and long-term brand value, helping position TechnoSport as a leading name in India’s activewear segment.

Rohit Lohia is a self-driven and entrepreneurial leader with over 16 years of experience spanning leadership roles, entrepreneurship, and consulting. At Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC), he is focused on building scalable, open digital ecosystems that solve real-world commerce challenges. Known for his problem-solving mindset and “first principles” approach, Rohit combines strategic thinking with strong execution capabilities. He has a proven ability to identify key success factors within complex markets and design actionable strategies that drive sustainable impact.

Rohit brings deep expertise in product design and process innovation, creating simple, user-centric solutions for complex problems while continuously refining systems for efficiency and scale. As a leader, he adopts a macro-management style – setting clear direction while empowering teams to take ownership and deliver results. Passionate about building from the ground up, Rohit thrives on turning ambitious ideas into reality and driving meaningful change in evolving digital ecosystems.

Sagar Daryani is an Indian entrepreneur and the co-founder of Wow! Momo, India’s largest homegrown quick-service restaurant (QSR) brand. Widely recognized for transforming the humble momo into a nationwide food phenomenon, Daryani’s journey is a compelling story of innovation, resilience, and the power of sharp, youth-driven branding in the Indian F&B landscape. His strategic focus on digital-first growth—including online delivery, takeaway-led formats, and aggressive cloud kitchen expansion—enabled the brand to significantly enhance service coverage and adapt swiftly to evolving consumer behavior in the post-pandemic era.

Under his leadership, Wow! Momo has consistently pushed the boundaries of product innovation, accessibility, and customer experience, making it a standout success in India’s competitive food services market. Daryani’s journey from a student founder to a QSR industry leader reflects how vision, persistence, and differentiated branding can disrupt even the most traditional sectors. As the brand continues to expand its footprint, he remains focused on building Wow! Momo into a globally scalable Indian food experience.

Sagar Suri is a Director at Chunmun Stores Pvt. Ltd., a Delhi-based fashion and lifestyle retail company. Part of the Suri family business, he represents the new generation driving the brand’s evolution and expansion. He has been actively involved in strengthening Chunmun’s positioning as a prominent retail destination in North India, with a focus on customer experience and product innovation. Sagar Suri also co-founded and led the launch of Steele, a menswear brand under Chunmun, aimed at expanding into the men’s fashion segment. His work reflects a continued effort to build on the legacy of the brand while adapting to changing retail trends.

Sahil Kansal is a dynamic retail leader at Croma, the Tata Group’s consumer electronics retail chain, known for driving business growth and delivering impactful customer experiences in a fast-evolving omnichannel environment.

Sahil has been at the very heart of Croma’s growth story. Being part of the Croma team for over 9 years, he is instrumental in making the company reach new horizons. He lives the ‘go-getter’ attitude and strives constantly to put the company on a pedestal. Under his leadership Croma’s expansion has picked up great momentum and leads on all fronts, right from the number of stores crossing around 250 to the turnover being approximately 8000 crores. He has also introduced a new franchising model which is garnering great interest from prospective partners over the last two year.

At Croma, he focuses on enhancing operational efficiency, improving customer journeys, and scaling business performance across channels. His collaborative approach and execution-focused mindset have contributed to building agile, customer-centric retail strategies aligned with the brand’s growth ambitions.Driven by innovation and a deep passion for retail, Sahil continues to play a vital role in shaping Croma’s evolution as a leading omnichannel electronics destination in India.

Saket Amrit is a seasoned real estate professional with strong expertise in retail leasing, market expansion, and strategic advisory. As Head – West India, Retail Services at JLL, he leads the firm’s retail advisory and transaction services across one of India’s most dynamic consumption markets, helping brands and developers unlock growth opportunities.

With deep experience in retail real estate, tenant representation, landlord advisory, and market entry strategies, Saket has played a pivotal role in shaping successful expansion journeys for leading domestic and international retailers. He has advised on flagship store launches, portfolio optimization, and leasing strategies across high streets, malls, and mixed-use developments.

Known for his strong commercial acumen and market intelligence, Saket combines strategic planning with execution excellence to deliver value-driven outcomes for clients. His ability to understand evolving consumer trends, location dynamics, and retail formats has helped brands scale efficiently while maximizing visibility and performance.

A collaborative and forward-looking leader, Saket continues to drive innovation in retail services, strengthen stakeholder partnerships, and contribute to the growth of India’s rapidly evolving retail ecosystem.

Salil Kumar is a dynamic business leader with a comprehensive background in strategic leadership, real estate development, branding, sales, and business management. As Director at CRC Group, he plays a pivotal role in driving the company’s growth vision, overseeing large-scale developments, and leading initiatives focused on operational excellence, customer-centricity, and long-term value creation. With strong expertise in project design and execution, Salil specializes in aligning business strategies with organizational growth objectives while delivering impactful results across residential and commercial real estate projects. He has successfully led large-scale leasing strategies, business development initiatives, and revenue optimization programs, with a focus on innovation, efficiency, and accelerated project execution.

Known for his execution-driven leadership style, Salil fosters a culture of collaboration, agility, and excellence, enabling teams to achieve ambitious business goals in competitive market environments. His strong understanding of market dynamics, urban development trends, and consumer expectations has contributed significantly to CRC Group’s expanding market presence. With India progressing toward becoming a multi-trillion-dollar economy, Salil remains committed to leveraging emerging opportunities through future-focused strategies, sustainable growth, and innovation-led development, contributing both to organizational success and the broader evolution of India’s real estate landscape.

Mr. Sanchit Bhutani has emerged as a prominent force in NCR’s commercial real estate landscape, with a proven track record of developing high-impact projects that actively shape business and retail ecosystems. His work reflects a deep understanding of how commercial developments perform in real conditions — from leasing behaviour and brand integration to footfall generation and long-term sustainability. He has consistently focused on creating commercial ecosystems driven by relevance, usability, and sustained engagement, positioning himself as a forward-thinking leader in India’s rapidly evolving retail landscape.

This approach is most evident in Grandthum, a landmark commercial development in Greater Noida West. With Partial Occupancy Certificate achieved and over 5 lakh sq. ft. already leased to leading domestic and international brands, the project stands as a strong indicator of execution capability, leasing strength, and market acceptance. Building on this momentum, he has spearheaded the launch of ONE FNG on the Noida Expressway – a next-generation commercial destination designed to cater to the future of business and retail.

Mr. Bhutani is recognized as a visionary contributor to India’s evolving retail ecosystem, known for developing high-quality, future-ready retail infrastructure. His work consistently focuses on creating commercial environments that drive business growth, enhance consumer engagement, and deliver sustained long-term value.With a clear focus on integration, visibility, and efficiency, the development reflects his vision of creating scalable and future-ready commercial infrastructure.

Sandeep Varaganti is the Chief Executive Officer at JioMart-Reliance Retail. He is a sharp and astute professional with demonstrative experience in scaling up businesses and fostering cross-function organisations. He is dedicated to assisting entrepreneurs and businesses, in particular small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs), in experiencing multi-fold growth in the burgeoning e-commerce space.In the past, Sandeep has worked with companies like Cognizant, Amazon, and Prione. Throughout his career, he has donned numerous hats. His goal is to create the world’s largest and most trustworthy online marketplace by allowing millions of small and medium businesses to sell their products. At JioMart, heis set out to achieve just that. He aims to make JioMart one of the largest & most preferred indigenous e-marketplaces for buyers as well as the sellers. He has an MBA from INSEAD, France and has a degree in Electrical and Electronics Engineering from Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University, Hyderabad. Sandeep is a car and bike enthusiast and a sports aficionado – closely following Cricket, Lawn Tennis and Formula One.

Sandip is a fervent believer in e-commerce’s potential to reshape the world. Leading PwC India’s Experience & E-commerce division and specializing in crafting ROI-focused solutions across diverse industries, he leverages expertise in various technology platforms to excel in B2B2C and marketplace strategy and implementations. Sandip’s visionary leadership extends to overcoming all technology, and digital marketing + Martech challenges, also integrating cutting-edge logistics & supply chain solutions, reshaping India’s business landscape. His commitment to seamless, personalized customer experiences across digital and physical touchpoints drives innovation, positioning businesses for success in an ever-evolving digital space, while fostering growth and sustainability on a global scale.

Sandip is the Founder of Nuvora, established in February 2025 as an extension of AstorMueller AG’s retail business in India. Previously serving as Chief Operating Officer at AstorMueller India, he played a key role in conceptualising Nuvora as a strategic partnership with the Gaurik Group, bringing together local market expertise and European craftsmanship to accelerate growth in India’s luxury retail segment.

With nearly two decades of omnichannel experience across retail and the sports industry in India and South Asia, Sandip is known for building high-performing teams, scaling brands, and driving sustainable business growth. He has held leadership roles with global brands including Adidas, Reebok, Aldo, Florsheim, Reliance Retail, and AstorMueller. A strong business leader and strategist, he specialises in market expansion, go-to-market strategies, and revenue acceleration.

Sanjay Vakharia is the Co-founder and CEO of Spykar, one of India’s leading youth-focused denim brands. Since 1992, he has led the company’s growth from a startup to a ₹600 crore business, expanding its presence across 900+ multi-brand outlets, 600+ national chain stores, and 300 exclusive brand outlets nationwide.

With over three decades of experience, he has driven innovation and diversification at Spykar, introducing categories such as women’s wear, accessories, and innerwear. Known for his hands-on leadership style, he combines entrepreneurial vision with a deep understanding of evolving consumer trends.

A respected industry voice, he has spoken at forums like Jio Institute’s Leadership Series and #ChangeMasters. Under his leadership, Spykar has received accolades including the E4M Pride of India Brands Award and Most Admired Fashion Brand of the Year.

Sannjeev Rao is a seasoned Retail leader and Co-founder Kathy’s Beverages. He is also the Director at IETO (Indian Economic Trade Organization) with over 25 years of experience in transforming retail and consumer businesses into profitable, future-ready enterprises. With a career spanning fashion, textiles, and broader consumer sectors, he is known for driving high-impact growth through a unique blend of strategic vision and hands-on execution.

Over the years, Rao has led large-scale business transformations—from steering leading fashion brands to revitalizing legacy textile organizations, consistently enhancing brand equity while delivering strong revenue and profitability outcomes. He brings deep expertise in P&L management, market expansion, and operational turnarounds, with a proven ability to build and lead high-performing teams.

In addition to corporate leadership, Sannjeev Rao is an active advisor and angel investor, supporting emerging startups that are redefining the future of retail. A strong advocate of mentorship and collaboration, committed to nurturing next-generation leadership and fostering innovation-led growth. With a sharp focus on execution, scalability, and consumer-centricity, Sannjeev Rao continues to play a pivotal role in shaping the evolution of modern retail.

Shahroz Mirza serves as the business Head of Meena Bazaar, one of India’s most iconic ethnic fashion retail brands. He plays a pivotal role in driving the brand’s Impressive growth and spearheading its marketing and expansion strategies across India.

His expertise includes business development, market research, operational efficiency, and enhancing customer experience, all contributing to Meena Bazaar’s success in women’s ethnic fashion, In recognition of his impact on the retail ecosystem, he was honored with the Best 30 Retail Leaders award at the 2nd edition of the India Retail E-commerce & DZC Summit, held in Bangalore as part of the india Retail Summit.

With a keen understanding of evolving market trends and a steadfast commitment to excellence, Shahroz masterlully fuses contemporary innovation with Meena Bazaar’s rich, timeless heritage.
Widely respected for his visionary leadership and agility in the fast-moving retail landscape, he remains focused on shaping the brand’s future while honoring its legacy:
Beyond expansion, he is passionate about building strong teams and fostering a culture of collaboration and excellence. His leadership focuses on empowering people, encouraging innovation, and ensuring a great experience for customers.

Shailesh Chaturvedi is one of Arvind’s strongest leaders who has successfully led several of its brands over the last 15 years. Shailesh joined Arvind in 2006 to lead the Tommy Hilfiger JV. Over the next 15 years, he made Tommy one of the most admired and aspirational brands in the country. He also took over the Calvin Klein brand in FY18 and has scripted a strong turnaround of the business.

Shailesh is a proven leader in the apparel space with a total career that spans 28 years in leadership roles in Madura coats, UCB and then Arvind. His deep expertise in working with international brands gives him a unique insight into global best practices and trends. Before his long stint in building the bridge to luxury brand portfolio for Arvind he has worked extensively in the mass premium men’s wear segment as well.

Shibu Philips is a seasoned retail and mall management professional with over 25 years of experience in launching international quick service restaurants and world-class shopping destinations in India. An alumnus of IIM Kashipur and a graduate of Mumbai University, he has been a pioneering force in transforming the country’s retail landscape since the early 2000s.

He has played a pivotal role in the launch and success of some of India’s most prominent shopping malls, including Inorbit Mall (Malad, Mumbai), Oberoi Mall (Mumbai), and Lulu Mall (Kochi). A Level 3 Certified Shopping Centre Manager from the International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC), he has also received global recognition from the body at the Maxi Awards in 2007 and 2014.

In 2010, he joined Lulu Group India and was instrumental in bringing the concept of international shopping experiences to Kerala. As Business Head of Lulu Mall, Kochi, he led its rise as a landmark retail destination and contributed to the group’s expansion into multiple cities across India.

Currently serving as Director – Shopping Malls at Lulu Group India, he is leading the development and operations of an ambitious pipeline of new malls nationwide.

Shikha Mazumdar is the AVP – Head of Marketing & Visual Merchandising at Home Centre, part of the Landmark Group. A dynamic marketing leader with extensive experience in retail and consumer-focused industries, she specializes in building compelling brand narratives and immersive in-store experiences that drive customer engagement and business growth.

In her current role, Mazumdar is responsible for shaping Home Centre’s brand positioning, driving integrated marketing campaigns, and ensuring consistent storytelling across digital and physical touchpoints. With a strong understanding of evolving consumer preferences in the home and lifestyle segment, she has been instrumental in aligning marketing initiatives with seasonal trends, product innovation, and category growth. Her leadership has contributed to strengthening Home Centre’s identity as a design-led, accessible home solutions brand.

Mazumdar is also actively involved in advancing omnichannel strategies, ensuring seamless integration between online platforms and in-store experiences. Her approach combines creativity with data-driven insights, enabling the brand to remain relevant and competitive in India’s fast-evolving retail landscape.Known for her collaborative leadership style and sharp eye for detail, Shikha Mazumdar continues to play a key role in enhancing brand visibility, customer engagement, and experiential retail at Home Centre.

Bringing over 20 years of extensive expertise in India’s commercial and retail real estate ecosystem, Shriram is widely recognised for his pivotal role in shaping high-performing mall, F&B, and mixed-use developments through data-driven leasing strategy, brand mix planning, and execution-focused advisory. Over the past two decades, he has contributed his skills and insights to a wide array of projects, spanning prominent shopping centres, food courts, transit retail hubs, and the rapidly emerging Tier-2 and Tier-3 markets, enabling developers to design retail experiences that align with evolving consumer behaviour.

Shriram’s approach blends market intelligence, brand relationships, and hands-on project execution, enabling assets to improve their positioning, attract higher-quality footfall, and enhance revenue productivity. His expertise has earned him significant recognition, including being honoured as one of India’s Top 100 Retail Minds for seven consecutive years. He has also received prestigious leadership accolades from the Asia Retail Congress, Africa-GCC Retail Awards, and BW 40 Under 40. His advisory work has been instrumental in numerous notable projects across Delhi NCR, Jaipur, Chandigarh and tri city, Mumbai, Hyderabad, Goa, focusing on food court transformations, the creation of new retail zones, and the development of brand-led asset repositioning strategies. His strategic counsel has supported the expansion of both national and international retail and F&B brands.

SRED has been appointed as the exclusive SEA region as Leasing partner by Tilal Development Company, Oman. Outside of his professional commitments, he draws creative inspiration from travel, architecture, and observing urban retail cultures, which inform his passion for building consumer-first retail ecosystems.

For over three decades, Shriti has been a key figure in India’s Fashion, Sports & Beauty sectors, launching global brands, building multi-channel businesses, and driving growth. A Miranda House and NIFT Delhi alumna, she began her career in the early 1990s at Benetton India, later holding leadership roles in sport licensing, branding, retail and distribution for brands like Nike, Puma, Converse, Speedo, and Planet Sports. In 2006, she led the launch of The Body Shop in India through Quest Retail, scaling it into one of the country’s largest international beauty retailers with over 200 stores across 80+ cities and a strong digital presence.

Recognizing India’s growing beauty market, Shriti founded House of Beauty in 2020 to introduce cult global brands. In January 2025, following a leadership transition, she became Executive Chairperson after a transformative tenure as Group CEO of Quest Retail – House of Beauty. Under her leadership, the company expanded its portfolio with brands like Avon, Kylie Cosmetics, and more, establishing itself as a market leader. Now, as Executive Chairperson, she focuses on long-term strategy and growth in collaboration with the Board of Directors.

Sid Marchant is a first-generation entrepreneur with a Bachelor of Management Studies degree from the prestigious St. Xavier’s College, Mumbai (2004). He is a certified Q Grader (Coffee) and a Specialty Coffee Association Trainer.

He started his career in Retail Real estate and progressed to the Food and beverage industry. The former Category Head (Food & beverage) at Tata Starbucks has an overall 20 years of combined experience in the Retail Real Estate and Food & Beverages Industry. Driven by sheer passion and business acumen, he identified premium burgers QSR chain business as a niche with immense growth potential and started GOOD FLIPPIN’ BURGERS®️ along with his Co-founders Sijo and Viren.

Sid also co-founded KC Roasters (Formerly – Koinonia Coffee Roasters) and successfully ran a Tibbs Frankie Franchise. He also played a key role in conceptualising and launching Starbucks’ First “Diwali Blend” Coffee.

Somu Vadali is a strategic and results-oriented technology product management executive with extensive experience leading global, high-impact, and complex initiatives across dynamic business environments. Proven ability to thrive in structured, unstructured, and ambiguous settings while aligning cross-functional teams to deliver innovation, growth, and measurable outcomes.

Somu brings deep expertise in managing the full product lifecycle—from concept development and user-centered design to UI/UX execution across web, mobile, tablet, and desktop platforms. As a seasoned Head of Product, has successfully operated as the “CEO of the product,” driving vision, strategy, roadmap, and execution for diverse product portfolios. Somu displays demonstrated success in building and scaling products within both large enterprises and fast-paced start-ups, leading product, engineering, and user experience teams to market success. His domain expertise spans Data, Ad Tech, IoT, Wearables, Smart Auto/Home/Health, Machine-to-Machine solutions, Machine Learning, Predictive Analytics, SaaS/DaaS, Gamification, Behavioral Change, Speech Recognition, and Biometric Data platforms.

Somu’s key strengths include delivering Version 1 and Version 2 products using Agile methodologies, developing secure messaging and collaboration multi-platform applications, architecting distributed and scalable cloud-based solutions, and steering M&A processes including due diligence and strategic positioning for acquisitions or exits. Recognized for translating bold product visions into actionable roadmaps, clear requirements, and compelling market-ready offerings.

Sreeram is the Chief Product Officer where he leads the development of AI-driven retail technology for brands, enterprise chains, and D2C retailers. He has 16+ years of experience building and scaling enterprise SaaS, data, and AI platforms across fintech, retail, and commerce, serving 500K+ merchants and powering millions of transactions.

He combines deep customer, partner, and market insights to craft product strategies that drive engagement, efficiency, and monetization, while leading cross-functional teams across product, design, and technology to deliver high-impact solutions.

Known for translating complex market challenges into scalable, revenue-generating products, with a strong focus on ecosystem alignment, platform architecture, and adoption at scale. Brings a blend of first-principles thinking, customer-backward design, and commercial acumen across pricing, go-to-market, and positioning. Currently leading the design and scale-up of omnichannel merchant experiences, self-service platforms, and data-led growth engines, Sreeram has been achieving 3–4x growth in active usage, improved monetization, and enhanced operational efficiency by building unified, future-ready ecosystems.

Previously built and scaled products across lending, core banking, payments, and digital channels, driving API-first and platform-led initiatives to accelerate time-to-market and adoption across geographies, Sreeram has always been passionate about mentoring talent, fostering innovation, and building high-performing teams that consistently deliver market-defining outcomes.

A seasoned Chartered Accountant and an alumnus of the University of Delhi, Subham Singhal serves as the Chief Financial Officer at Shree KB Group. Leveraging an elite professional background including tenure at a Big 4 firm, Subham plays a pivotal role in strategic advisory, driving project viability, and ensuring sustainable growth across the group’s developments. At Shree KB Group, Subham has been instrumental in shaping high-potential commercial assets, including landmark retail development, KB West Walk in Greater Noida West. The group has earned industry recognition, including being awarded as an Emerging Developer in NCR, reflecting its commitment to innovation, quality, and investor-focused offerings. Today, Shree KB Group is steadily building an expansive portfolio spanning residential enclaves, industrial developments, and high-impact commercial hubs. Subham brings a sharp, analytical perspective to real estate finance, with a focus on creating scalable and future-ready commercial assets, thereby solidifying Shree KB Group’s reputation for excellence and sustainable growth, positioning it into a credible and growth-driven real estate brand.

Sudhanshu leads Keydemand, a first-of-its-kind omni-channel B2B proptech platform focused on nonresidential real estate. He is a growth-focused entrepreneur and business leader with a strong track record of building and scaling demand generation and digital marketing solutions. As Co-Founder & Managing Director of Keydemand, he has been instrumental in shaping the company’s vision, driving client acquisition, and delivering measurable business outcomes for brands across sectors. Under his leadership, Keydemand has evolved into a performance-driven marketing partner, known for its data-led strategies, innovative campaigns, and focus on ROI-driven execution. Sudhanshu has successfully led initiatives that have accelerated revenue growth, strengthened client portfolios, and expanded the company’s footprint across industries.

The company helps brands and commercial office tenants expand their presence across multiple cities through streamlined leasing. Sudhanshu also has over two decades of experience in fund raising, debt syndication and deal structuring for real estate and hospitality developers across India and is an asset to this unique Commercial Real Estate organisation.

With deep expertise in digital marketing, business development, and strategic planning, he has consistently enabled organizations to enhance customer acquisition, improve conversion rates, and optimize marketing spends. His ability to blend analytics with creative strategy has been key to delivering scalable and impactful marketing solutions.

Sumeet Lohia leads India business operations for ECCO, a global leader in innovative comfort footwear for men, women, and children with a presence in over 100 countries through exclusive stores and multi-brand outlets.

Sumeet is responsible for setting the strategic direction and vision for the brand in India, driving sustainable growth, profitability, and market expansion. With a balanced approach to delivering short-term results and long-term value creation, he deftly positions ECCO for scalable and sustainable success in India.

He oversees key functions including product development, supply chain management, and customer experience, ensuring ECCO remains aligned with evolving consumer preferences and retail trends. Sumeet is focused on building a high-performance organization that fosters innovation, operational efficiency, and accountability, while strengthening brand equity in a competitive retail landscape.

Sumit Chandna is the Chief Executive Officer of Max Fashion at Lifestyle International Pvt Ltd, a role he assumed in October 2025 after serving as Deputy CEO. With over 28 years of experience, he is an agile P&L leader known for driving retail growth, merchandising excellence, and brand transformation.

At Max, he leads the brand’s strategic expansion, focusing on strengthening market presence, enhancing value fashion offerings, and building a customer-centric, omnichannel business. His leadership combines operational rigor with a sharp understanding of evolving consumer trends.

Prior to this, Sumit held senior leadership roles at Bata India and Aditya Birla Retail, where he contributed to business scale-up and category growth. Recognised for his execution focus and commercial acumen, he continues to drive sustainable growth and profitability for one of India’s leading value fashion brands.

Sumit Dhingra has two decades of experience across global and Indian fashion, building a reputation for scaling brands with commercial rigour and long-term relevance. He currently leads the Denmark-headquartered fashion group’s portfolio of brands in the country, including JACK & JONES, VERO MODA, ONLY and Selected.His leadership philosophy blends ambitious growth with operating discipline, with a strong belief that sustainable fashion businesses are built on clarity of brand, commercial precision and consumer obsession.

Sumit’s career began at Aditya Birla Fashion and Lifestyle and United Colors of Benetton, followed by a decade at Arvind Fashions. In 2019, he moved to Crocs, leading business operations across India, Southeast Asia, the Middle East and Africa before taking charge at BESTSELLER India in 2025.

At BESTSELLER India, Sumit is driving the next phase of growth for the company, sharpening each brand’s positioning, expanding retail footprint across formats and cities, building a sharper omnichannel proposition, and deepening the consumer connect that has made the group a long-standing presence in Indian fashion.

Sumit is an alumnus of IIM Lucknow and NIT Tiruchirappalli and was recognised by The Economic Times as one of India’s hottest young business leaders.

Sumit Ghildiyal is an industry veteran and seasoned business development leader with over 25 years of experience across retail, F&B hospitality, and telecom. He currently heads Business Development at the national level for MAX and Easy Buy at Landmark Group, which operates over 800 stores across 5 million square feet of retail space in India.

An alumnus of IMT Ghaziabad with an Executive Certification in Business Management, Sumit brings deep expertise in real estate strategy, market expansion, franchise development, operations management, and scalable process design. He has played a pivotal role in driving Landmark Group’s expansion, growing the store network from 205 to over 495 locations across 210 cities, with a strong focus on Tier 2 and Tier 3 market penetration.

Prior to this, he spent 12 years at Jubilant FoodWorks, where he was instrumental in scaling Domino’s Pizza from 100 to 1,100 outlets across 200+ cities in India. His earlier experience includes roles at Vodafone (Hutch), Subway, and Café Coffee Day.

Recognized among the top 30 BD Heads by IMAGES Retail in 2023, Sumit is known for his execution-driven leadership and strong people-first philosophy.

A visionary leader with an impressive 26-year track record spanning entrepreneurial and corporate roles, he is adept at igniting growth and navigating dynamic market landscapes.A results-driven growth catalyst with extensive expertise in forging strategic partnerships, expanding retail footprints, driving business development initiatives, and enabling cross-functional collaborations, he has consistently delivered high-impact and sustainable results.

Sunil Goklani is the Managing Director & CEO of Sri Ram & Son, a heritage menswear brand based in India. He is a retail leader known for his strong leadership approach and belief in people as core business assets. Based in Gurugram, he is currently responsible for leading the company’s growth and expansion agenda. His role focuses on strengthening the brand’s legacy while steering it toward broader national and global reach. He is an alumnus of Awadesh Pratap Singh University.

Sunny Nandwani is a seasoned technology entrepreneur and Founder & CEO of Acuver Consulting, bringing over two decades of experience in driving digital transformation, engineering innovation, and supply chain excellence. He has successfully built and scaled global businesses, delivering cutting-edge solutions in order and warehouse management for Fortune 500 clients. As the driving force behind Aekyam, Sunny is focused on leveraging AI-powered orchestration to simplify retail operations and enable future-ready enterprises. Recognized with multiple prestigious awards, he is known for his visionary leadership, strategic thinking, and commitment to excellence. Beyond his corporate achievements, Sunny actively mentors startups, contributes thought leadership as a Forbes Councils member, and champions the use of AI and emerging technologies to create sustainable business solutions worldwide.

Surbhi Bhatia is the Founder & CEO of The Mom Store, a leading D2C brand redefining maternity and parenting essentials in India. Driven by a deep understanding of modern parents’ needs, she has built a brand known for blending comfort, practicality, and contemporary design. The Mom Store has today grown into a trusted choice for families nationwide, supported by a strong digital presence and engaged community. Surbhi actively contributes to conversations around entrepreneurship, brand building, and the evolving landscape of consumer businesses, with a focus on creating meaningful, customer-centric experiences.

An IIM Indore alumnus, Suresh Kumar Kurapaty is a seasoned Brand Strategist, Creative Innovator, and Educator with a distinguished career spanning the BFSI, Media, and Startup ecosystems. With deep expertise in Sales, Marketing, Strategy, Training, and Entrepreneurship, he has consistently driven brand growth and business transformation across industries.

As a startup specialist, Suresh has launched impactful brands and created landmark platforms, including BRATS — a mentorship initiative that has shaped over 25,000 students across India in collaboration with leading industry professionals — and The Activation Venues Forum (TAVF), which he founded and grew into a premier national platform for Integrated Marketing, bringing together top CMOs from India’s leading brands.

Suresh actively contributes to academia as a visiting faculty at NMIMS, Whistling Woods International, and Deviprasad Goenka Management College of Media Studies, mentoring the next generation of business and creative leaders.

Surjit Singh Rajpurohit has over 25 years of cross- functional experience and a proven track record in managing & turning around various shopping centers across India. He has worked with Mall Developers and IPC companies and has played a crucial role in leasing and launching several malls across India, from green field projects to established properties. With his expertise, he has successfully turned around many struggling retail assets. Mr. Rajpurohit currently holds the position of CEO at Amanora Mall Pune. Under his leadership, the mall has undergone a transformative journey. Through his innovative direction, the mall underwent a comprehensive revitalization encompassing a new aesthetic, an enriched retail assortment and overall advancement.

Swati Dayani is the Chief Transformation Officer at Cipla Health, where she leads enterprise-wide transformation initiatives and drives innovation in health and wellness. With a strong foundation in pharmaceutical leadership, she is focused on reimagining health management through forward-looking, consumer-centric solutions.

Swati had served in the Executive Vice Chairperson’s Office at Cipla, where she played a pivotal role in advancing the company’s strategic priorities and strengthening its position in the pharmaceutical sector.

During her power sector tenure with Reliance Power, Swati contributed to project development and operations. She later gained experience in consulting through roles at McKinsey, where she advised organizations on strategy and business transformation across industries, and at Accenture as a Summer Associate, building early exposure to technology and consulting environments.

Her expertise spans business transformation, financial analysis, and operational strategy, underpinned by a multidisciplinary academic background. Swati holds a Master of Medical Science from Jamnalal Bajaj Institute of Management Studies and a bachelor’s degree from Visvesvaraya National Institute of Technology.

Tanu Prasad leads the Strategy and Operations for Oberoi Mall and Sky City Mall in Mumbai as Chief Executive Officer – Malls at Oberoi Realty. With nearly two decades of experience in retail leasing and mall management, Tanu brings together strategic foresight, operational excellence, and a deep understanding of India’s evolving retail landscape. Before rejoining Oberoi Realty, Tanu spent seven years at Nexus Select Trust, rising to the position of Senior Vice President and Head of Leasing. During her tenure, she transformed portfolios, led leasing strategy, and gained deep expertise in brand mix strategy, market research, lease negotiations, and real estate transactions. Tanu’s association with Oberoi Realty began in 2007 and continued until 2018, during which she played a key role in zoning, repositioning, and enhancing the performance of Oberoi Mall, driving both tenant success and overall asset profitability.

In her leadership role, Tanu drives the end-to-end retail leasing and asset performance, from tenant strategy, category planning, and brand curation to enhancing customer journeys and mall experience. Known for her analytical acumen and collaborative approach, she has successfully led repositioning initiatives, navigated complex lease negotiations, and built long-term alliances with leading national and global brands, consistently enhancing the performance and value of every property she has managed.

Tanu believes that successful retail spaces are built through collaboration between developers, brands, and customers. Her strategic priority at Oberoi Realty is to strengthen the retail portfolio’s business performance by driving revenue optimization, enhancing tenant mix, and creating differentiated, experience-led destinations. With a focus on sustainable growth and value creation, she aims to position Oberoi Mall and Sky City Mall as high- performing retail assets that blend commercial success with meaningful customer engagement.

An MBA in Marketing and a Bachelor of Engineering, Tanu also holds a Level 2 certification in Marketing & Leasing from the International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC). She has further honed her leadership and negotiation skills through an executive management program.

With over two decades of rich experience in the F&B industry, Tarak Bhattacharya serves as the Executive Director and CEO of Mad Over Donuts. Under his leadership, the acclaimed donut brand has grown from a 12-store set-up in Mumbai to a chain of 150+ stores across 6 cities in India, serving over 10 million delighted patrons. Over his illustrious career, Tarak has worked with several renowned F&B companies. He headed Operations for Barista, one of India’s first and most successful coffee brands, and was later appointed as the COO for MGH Restaurants Pvt. Ltd. to lead two of their popular brands- Nando’s and Barista for their markets in Bangladesh and Nepal. Having worked across continents with diverse cultures, Tarak has a keen understanding of local sensibilities that he uses to inform business strategies.

In 2011, Tarak was named COO at Himesh Foods Pvt. Ltd. for their Singaporean gourmet brand Mad Over Donuts. He was promoted to Executive Director and CEO in 2019. A multi-faceted leader, Tarak currently manages diverse aspects of operations, planning and human resources at Mad Over Donuts India.

Tarandeep Sekhon is an accomplished marketing and business development professional with a strong track record in the entertainment industry. With a deep understanding of evolving consumer behavior and media landscapes, Tarandeep has consistently driven impactful strategies that enhance brand visibility, audience engagement, and business growth. With expertise spanning strategy, marketing management, business planning, advertising, digital marketing, and business development, Tarandeep brings a well-rounded and execution-focused approach to building and scaling brands.

Known for combining creative thinking with data-driven insights, Tarandeep has successfully delivered campaigns and initiatives that align with both market trends and business objectives. Academically grounded with an MBA in Retail Management & Marketing, along with a PG Certification in Digital Marketing & Communication, Tarandeep blends strong theoretical knowledge with hands-on industry experience. This foundation enables a strategic yet agile approach to navigating competitive and fast-evolving sectors.

A proactive and results-oriented professional, Tarandeep is recognized for strong communication, relationship management, and the ability to collaborate across teams to drive performance and innovation.

Tiyasa Khanra is a seasoned strategy consultant with over 14 years of experience advising organizations on growth, transformation, and market expansion across global markets. As Partner at Monitor Deloitte, she specializes in helping businesses navigate complex strategic challenges through data-driven and future-focused solutions. Her expertise spans market entry, growth and channel strategy, operating model design, and large-scale transformation programs, with a strong focus on the consumer goods and retail sectors. Over the course of her career, Tiyasa has worked across geographies including India, Japan, the UK, the USA, and Canada, bringing a global perspective to business strategy and execution.

In addition to her client leadership responsibilities, Tiyasa is a member of the Executive Committee leadership team for Deloitte’s Strategy, Risk & Transactions business, where she also serves as Chief Happiness Officer and Young Partner Representative, championing culture, collaboration, and people development. She holds an MBA (PGDM) from Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad and is a gold medallist in Electrical Engineering from Sardar Patel College of Engineering under University of Mumbai.

V. Muhammad Ali is among India’s earliest shopping centre professionals, with over 21 years of experience in mall development and retail management. As CEO of the Retail Division at Prestige Group, he has been instrumental in shaping the company’s mall business since its inception, playing a defining role in the evolution of organised retail in India.

Ali was pivotal in launching The Forum Mall in 2004—widely regarded as one of India’s first fully functional modern malls. The project set new benchmarks in retail experience, integrating a multiplex, leading fashion brands, and a large-format food court, thereby redefining urban shopping in the country.

His core expertise spans shopping centre development, leasing, mall operations, and asset management. Over the years, he has led the leasing and launch of 10 malls for Prestige, covering over 6 million sq. ft. of gross leasable area (GLA) and 2,000+ stores. He is currently driving an ambitious expansion pipeline of nine new malls across Tier-1 cities, adding over 7.5 million sq. ft. and 2,000+ stores.

Ali has also collaborated closely with CapitaLand through a strategic joint venture and remains an active contributor to industry bodies such as Retailers Association of India and Shopping Centre Association of India.

Vargab Bakshi is a growth-focused business leader with strong expertise in ecommerce, digital commerce enablement, and customer acquisition strategies. As Chief Growth Officer at GoKwik, he leads the company’s growth agenda, driving market expansion, merchant success, and scalable revenue strategies for D2C and ecommerce brands.

With deep experience in growth marketing, business development, partnerships, and data-driven commerce solutions, Vargab has played a key role in helping brands improve conversions, enhance customer journeys, and optimize online shopping experiences. His work focuses on building high-impact growth frameworks that combine technology, analytics, and consumer insights to deliver measurable business outcomes.

Known for his strategic mindset and execution-led approach, Vargab has successfully driven initiatives around merchant acquisition, retention, ecosystem partnerships, and performance optimization in India’s rapidly evolving ecommerce landscape. His ability to align business growth with customer-centric innovation has contributed significantly to GoKwik’s expanding market presence. A forward-looking leader, Vargab continues to champion innovation, scalable growth, and technology-led commerce solutions that empower brands to thrive in the digital economy.

Venkateswaran is a partner at Deloitte, India⁠ with more than two decades of experience in life sciences, healthcare, digital transformation, cybersecurity, and technology-led innovation. He advises healthcare and life sciences organisations on patient experience, clinical operations, digital health ecosystems, and secure technology integration.
He holds a BDS degree from Manipal University and an MBA from IMT Ghaziabad. Dr. Venkateswaran is also a regular speaker at industry forums including NASSCOM, CII, and DSCI, and has authored reports on digital ethics, healthcare transformation, and cyber security.

Venu G Somineni is a visionary serial tech entrepreneur, international best-selling author, Film Director and Advisor with over 25 years of global experience in AI, digital innovation, and business leadership. With a strong academic foundation in Computer Science from PSG Tech and exposure to management education at Stanford University, he has built a global career rooted in the San Francisco Bay Area. Over the years, he has led and invested in ventures spanning digital media, adTech, AI, retail, hospitality, and edTech, consistently identifying future-facing opportunities and building impactful businesses.

Beyond entrepreneurship, Venu is an internationally acclaimed author of over 50 books across leadership, self-development, business, and spirituality. His best-known work, One Book for Life Success, has reached over 1.6 million readers and earned recognition from global thought leaders. Expanding his creative pursuits, he has also directed films such as Living Ayurveda, which explores traditional healing wisdom, and Asli Cricket, capturing the true spirit of the sport. Known for blending business strategy with spiritual insight, Venu serves as a mentor and advisor to founders and leaders worldwide, guiding them toward purposeful leadership, sustainable growth, and meaningful impact.

Vihan is the Managing Director and Co-Founder of Kai Group, a fast-growing lifestyle and hospitality brand based in Sri Lanka, operating across hospitality, specialty coffee bars, eateries, and fashion. He is a dynamic entrepreneur and business leader with a strong track record in building scalable ventures and driving diversified business growth.

Responsible for the development and expansion of a diversified portfolio of concepts that include Kai Beach Club – Sri Lanka’s largest beach pool club; Kai Colombo – speciality coffee bar and eatery focused on urban lifestyle; Kai Ahangama – rooftop café and Cocktail Bar; Seasons by Kai – fashion and retail brand. Vihan’s focus areas include building experience-led, community-driven brands, integrating hospitality, retail, and culture into scalable business formats, and driving market expansion strategies.

With expertise spanning entrepreneurship, business development, strategic partnerships, and market expansion, Vihan has played a key role in establishing Kai Group as a forward-looking enterprise focused on innovation and long-term value creation. Under his leadership, the group has pursued growth opportunities across emerging sectors while building resilient and high-performing business models.

Vihan has graduated in Economics & Management from University of London and is a CIMA finalist.

With over 25 years across retail, fashion, telecom, and consumer-facing businesses, I’ve had the privilege of building brands, scaling teams, and navigating the evolving pulse of the Indian consumer. For 15 of those years, I led Bestseller India as CEO, building the business from the ground up into one of the country’s most respected fashion retail portfolios.Today, I’m investing my time in a different kind of building. I work closely with early-stage startups and high-growth founders, advising them on how to shape strategy, build authentic brands, and lead with purpose. I’m especially drawn to businesses at the intersection of retail, technology, and consumer culture. Whether it’s through angel investing or advisory roles, my goal is to support businesses that create long-term value not only through growth, but through trust.

Vinod Sharma has decades of experience in the electronics and manufacturing sector and has played a pivotal role in building Deki Electronics into a globally recognized and quality-driven organization. Apart from being an entrepreneur, he is also an active BSO member and consultant/ trainer who has co-authored the book “Valuemagics”- a new roadmap to global markets.

Under his leadership, the company has strengthened its position as a key exporter, delivering high-performance components to industries such as automotive, industrial electronics, consumer durables, and power applications. Sharma has been instrumental in driving technological advancement, operational excellence, and stringent quality standards, ensuring the company remains competitive in international markets.

He is known for his strong focus on innovation, sustainability, and continuous improvement, fostering a culture of precision engineering and customer-centricity. His leadership has enabled Deki Electronics to scale its manufacturing capabilities while maintaining reliability and consistency in product performance.

Vinod Sharma continues to steer the organization towards future-ready growth, with an emphasis on expanding global reach, enhancing R&D capabilities, and aligning with evolving industry demands in the electronics and components ecosystem.

Vipul Mathur is a transformational business leader with over two decades of experience across ecommerce, retail, fashion, and brand building. Throughout his career, he has successfully led business transformation and innovation journeys across both high-growth startups and established consumer brands, driving scale, profitability, and market relevance. Known for his digital-first and omni-channel approach, Vipul has been at the forefront of building consumer-centric growth strategies powered by data, technology, and innovation. His leadership has consistently focused on enhancing customer experience, accelerating business growth, and creating future-ready retail ecosystems.

Among his notable achievements are the launch of Van Heusen’s pioneering “My Fit” technology platform, building SKULT into a differentiated athleisure brand, and leading the transformation of Mufti, including playing a key role in making the company IPO-ready. His ability to blend strategic thinking with execution excellence has made him a respected leader in India’s retail and fashion industry.

A passionate mentor and certified coach, Vipul is deeply committed to empowering teams and fostering high-performance cultures that deliver industry-first milestones. His contributions to the sector have earned him a Lifetime Award for Contribution to the Indian Retail Industry. He also holds executive education credentials from Purdue University, University of Sydney, and Stanford University.

Vishwachetan Nadamani leads the Styli Private Label business end to end at Styli, the GCC’s fastest-growing fashion and lifestyle marketplace backed by Landmark Group. With full ownership of P&L and merchandise strategy, he drives how Styli’s in-house brands are built, from trend identification and product creation to sourcing, buying and scaling. His focus is on translating consumer insight into commercially successful products delivered with speed, value and consistency across fashion, footwear, accessories and lifestyle categories. Vishwachetan (fondly known as VC) builds the product and owns how it wins in the market. He brings nearly two decades of experience across retail, fashion and logistics, including leadership roles at Ecom Express, Tasva (Aditya Birla Fashion) and Pantaloons. An IIM Ahmedabad alumnus, he combines strong commercial judgment with deep operational expertise.

Zia Rahman is an accomplished retail leader with extensive experience in supermarket operations, business growth, and customer-centric retail strategy. As Chief Executive Officer of Red Rose Supermarket, he leads the company’s strategic direction, operational performance, and expansion initiatives, driving sustainable growth in a competitive retail landscape. With deep expertise in grocery retail, supply chain management, merchandising, and store operations, Zia has been instrumental in strengthening the brand’s market presence and enhancing customer experience across formats. He has successfully led initiatives focused on improving operational efficiency, optimizing product assortment, and increasing profitability while maintaining strong service standards.

Known for his hands-on leadership style and strong commercial acumen, Zia has built high-performing teams and scalable retail systems that support growth and consistency. His ability to align business strategy with evolving consumer needs has helped Red Rose Supermarket build stronger customer loyalty and market relevance. A forward-looking and execution-driven leader, Zia continues to focus on innovation, operational excellence, and long-term value creation, positioning Red Rose Supermarket for continued success and expansion.