MAM
T.V. Narendran elected second Indian to chair WorldSteel after Sajjan Jindal’s 2017 milestone
Mumbai: Following the tragic loss of Ratan Tata, his vision for the Tata Group continues to resonate with renewed vigour. The election of Tata Steel’s CEO & MD, T.V. Narendran, as the chairman of the World Steel Association (WorldSteel) for the 2024-25 term, stands as a testament to the enduring legacy he helped shape; making him only the second Indian to hold this prestigious role, signals India’s rising stature in the global steel industry-a domain long dominated by Western powers.
Narendran, a veteran in the industry with nearly four decades of experience, will lead the association, which represents 64 member companies accounting for 85 per cent of the world’s steel production. His leadership comes at a crucial time, as the industry grapples with decarbonisation challenges and fluctuating market dynamics. His appointment reflects not just personal accomplishment but a broader recognition of India’s expanding footprint in the global market.
Commenting on his new role, Narendran said, “I am honoured to be elected as the chairman of the World Steel Association. The global steel industry is at a transformative juncture, and I look forward to working with my peers to drive sustainable growth.”
Narendran’s journey from Tata Steel’s grassroots to becoming its leader, and now at the helm of a global industry body, echoes the broader trajectory of Indian steelmaking, which has moved from being a regional player to an international powerhouse. With India ranking as the world’s second-largest steel producer, his leadership is set to further strengthen the nation’s clout in shaping international steel policies and sustainability standards.
The election also highlights the strategic shift in the association’s leadership towards representing diverse markets. The previous and first Indian to hold the position was Sajjan Jindal in 2017, indicating a growing acceptance of Asian leadership in an industry historically dominated by European and American companies. The WorldSteel’s nod to Narendran is not just about diversity but recognition of India’s steel industry’s commitment to innovation and sustainability.
Narendran’s appointment comes as the industry braces for stricter climate policies and increasing demands for green steel. With his leadership, Tata Steel has been at the forefront of exploring hydrogen-based steelmaking and other green technologies. His influence is expected to further the agenda for a more eco-friendly approach to steel production globally.
As Narendran takes the helm at WorldSteel, the weight of expectation looms large. Now, as he prepares to guide the global body through the shifting tides of economic uncertainty and the pressing need for greener solutions, his leadership promises to be a beacon for the industry, illuminating a path toward a more resilient and sustainable future.
Brands
Aditya Birla Fashion & Retail reshuffles top deck; Nikhil Modha to take over as CFO
Phased transition sees Marco Agnolin head OWND!, Nikhil Modha lined up as CFO as company readies next growth leg
MUMBAI: Aditya Birla Fashion & Retail is redrawing its leadership map, lining up a new generation of executives across key roles as it prepares for its next phase of growth.
The company has named Suraj Bahirwani as chief executive (designate) of Pantaloons, effective April 1, 2026, with a full transition to the top role slated for October 1, 2026. He will also be designated as senior managerial personnel.
A two-decade veteran of the Aditya Birla Group, Bahirwani joined as a group management trainee in 2002 and has since held a string of leadership roles across retail and manufacturing. His resume spans stints at Aditya Birla Retail, a tenure as chief operating officer of Pantaloons, and most recently, head of global sales at the group’s cellulosic fibres business, where he drove international expansion and strengthened value-added portfolios.
Academically, he holds a PhD from the University of Mumbai, a postgraduate management diploma from SP Jain Institute of Management and Research, and is a chartered accountant. Over the years, he has picked up multiple chairman’s awards, including distinguished achiever, exceptional contributor and accomplished leader.
The transition at Pantaloons will be staged. Incumbent chief executive Sangeeta Tanwani will continue until September 30, 2026, steering the handover before moving into an advisory role to the managing director from October 1, 2026. She is set to retire on January 31, 2027, at which point she will step down as whole-time director and key managerial personnel.
Alongside, the company has brought in Marco Agnolin as chief executive of OWND! and senior managerial personnel, effective April 6, 2026. Agnolin arrives with over three decades of global experience, having held senior roles at Inditex, where he helped expand Zara in Italy, and later served as chief executive of Bershka and Diesel. His track record spans fast fashion, brand turnarounds and youth-focused retail.
On the finance side, Nikhil Modha has been appointed chief financial officer (designate) and senior managerial personnel from April 1, 2026. He will assume full charge as chief financial officer and key managerial personnel from January 1, 2027.
Current chief financial officer Jagdish Bajaj will oversee a phased transition until December 31, 2026, before retiring and stepping down from his roles.
The reshuffle signals a calibrated succession plan rather than a sudden overhaul, with the company staggering exits and appointments to ensure continuity even as it refreshes leadership across verticals.
As Aditya Birla Fashion & Retail juggles legacy brands and new-age formats, the message is clear: steady hands for the present, sharper ones for the future—and no pause in the push for scale.
