Brands
Bhawna Rao opens flagship store, redefining luxury with bespoke couture
MUMBAI: Bhawna Rao has unveiled its flagship store in Chattarpur, offering a refined shopping experience for those who appreciate elegance with a personal touch. More than just a retail space, the boutique blends intricate craftsmanship with modern luxury in an intimate, immersive setting.
Inspired by Baroque architecture, the store’s interiors feature grand French columns, graceful archways, and a soft, ethereal ambience. Delicate music and soothing fragrances enhance the experience, making each visit as indulgent as the couture on display.
What sets this boutique apart is its bespoke approach. Exclusive fittings, one-on-one consultations, and couture designed to celebrate individuality transform shopping into a personalised journey. Customers are invited to explore a collection that balances opulence with comfort, showcasing fine fabrics that feel as luxurious as they look.
Film star Nushrratt Bharuccha arrived in a dazzling Rao creation, embodying contemporary regal charm.
Speaking about this new milestone, Rao shared, “I wanted to create a space where women could enjoy a curated, luxurious experience that is both personal and comfortable. Every detail, from the ambience to the service, is designed to make each visit feel truly special. Our designs are crafted for extraordinary occasions, and this boutique reflects that same sense of celebration.”
Since its inception in 2016, Rao has become synonymous with refined craftsmanship and contemporary couture. This flagship store marks a new phase for the brand, with aspirations to extend its presence across India and beyond.
Brands
Muthoot FinCorp names Arun Kumar COO & Harjit Singh Takkar chief distribution officer
Leadership hires to boost operations and widen pan-India reach
THIRUVANANTHPURAM: Muthoot FinCorp has strengthened its top deck with the appointment of Arun Kumar B as chief operating officer and Harjit Singh Takkar as chief distribution officer, sharpening its focus on scale, speed and service as it pushes into its next phase of growth.
The flagship financial services arm of the 138-year-old Muthoot Pappachan Group, popularly known as Muthoot Blue, is expanding both muscle and mindset. With more than 3,750 branches nationwide and its digital platform, the Muthoot FinCorp ONE app, the company is betting on tighter execution and wider reach to stay ahead in an increasingly competitive lending market.
Arun Kumar B steps in with nearly two decades of experience cutting across financial services, technology transformation and customer analytics. He previously worked with CreditAccess Grameen, where he led enterprise-wide technology and data strategy initiatives and played a pivotal role during a major merger in the microfinance space. His work spanned integrating operations and products while scaling lending and non-credit offerings such as insurance and pensions.
At Muthoot FinCorp, Arun will steer operational excellence and strategic growth initiatives, aligning teams and processes to deliver sharper efficiency across the business. A gold medallist from Anna University and a postgraduate from IIM Indore, he also holds certifications in design thinking, Blue Ocean Strategy and business analytics.
Harjit Singh Takkar takes on the newly created role of chief distribution officer, reporting directly to the chief executive officer. The position is designed to energise the company’s distribution engine and bring greater governance and agility across its branch network.
Takkar brings over 28 years of retail banking experience, having held senior leadership roles at IndusInd Bank, Bandhan Bank, Yes Bank and ICICI Bank. Known for scaling branch networks and building high-performing teams, he combines distribution expertise with governance depth as a qualified company secretary with a master’s degree in finance and control.
In his new role, Takkar will oversee branch business and distribution channels, with a clear brief to expand reach, lift productivity and reinforce the company’s pan-India presence.
Commenting on the appointments, Muthoot FinCorp Ltd. chief executive officer Shaji Varghese, said the company continues to invest in leadership as it scales. “Our purpose is to improve the financial well-being of the common man. As we grow, strengthening leadership across key functions is important to ensure consistency in execution and customer experience,” he said.
With complementary strengths in operations and distribution now in place, Muthoot FinCorp appears set to move from steady expansion to sharper acceleration, backed by people, process and technology working in concert.
