Aditya Birla Fashion and Retail Limited (ABFRL) has announced significant leadership transitions affecting key managerial roles across its divisions, effective from April 2026 through early 2027. Key appointments include Mr. Suraj Bahirwani as the incoming CEO for Pantaloons, and Mr. Nikhil Modha as the successor CFO. The changes facilitate planned leadership succession and retirements across the organization’s core functions.
Board Approves Leadership Restructuring
The Board of Directors of Aditya Birla Fashion and Retail Limited, at its meeting held on Tuesday, March 24, 2026, approved several key appointments and succession plans for its Key Managerial Personnel (KMP) and Senior Managerial Personnel (SMP).
Pantaloons Leadership Succession
Appointment of New CEO
Based on the recommendation of the Nomination and Remuneration Committee (NRC), the Board appointed Mr. Suraj Bahirwani:
- As CEO (Designate) – Pantaloons and SMP, effective April 1, 2026.
- As CEO – Pantaloons and SMP, effective October 1, 2026.
Mr. Bahirwani brings over two decades of leadership experience across strategy and retail operations, having previously driven international growth for the Group. He holds a Ph.D. from Mumbai University and is a Chartered Accountant.
Transition of Current CEO
Ms. Sangeeta Tanwani, the current CEO – Pantaloons and Whole-time Director (WTD) & KMP, will oversee a phased leadership transition:
- She will continue as CEO-Pantaloons until September 30, 2026.
- From October 1, 2026, until January 31, 2027, she will serve as an Advisor to the Managing Director on strategic matters.
- She will cease to be the WTD & KMP effective from the closure of business hours on January 31, 2027, upon her retirement.
Appointment of CEO, OWND!
The Board also appointed Mr. Marco Agnolin as CEO – OWND! and SMP, effective April 6, 2026.
Mr. Agnolin is a global fashion retail leader with over 30+ years of experience, including senior roles at Inditex, where he was instrumental in building Zara’s presence in Italy, and served as CEO of Bershka and Diesel. His expertise lies in fast fashion and youth-centric retail.
Chief Financial Officer Succession
Appointment of New CFO
Following recommendations from the Audit Committee and NRC, Mr. Nikhil Modha was appointed:
- As Chief Financial Officer (Designate) & SMP, effective April 1, 2026.
- As Chief Financial Officer (CFO) & KMP, effective January 1, 2027.
Mr. Modha is a seasoned finance leader with over 26 years of experience in the Aditya Birla Group, specializing in M&A, capital raises, and restructuring initiatives. He is a Chartered Accountant.
Transition of Current CFO
Mr. Jagdish Bajaj, current CFO & KMP, will oversee a planned leadership transition until December 31, 2026, and will retire from the services of the Company effective from the closure of business hours on that date.
Meeting Conclusion
The Board meeting commenced at 12:00 noon and concluded at 12:46 p.m. on March 24, 2026. Further details regarding the appointments and cessations are enclosed in the respective annexures.
Source: BSE
