MAM
Rakesh Rajput bids adieu to Havells after 21 years
MUMBAI: Havells India Ltd has announced the resignation of Rakesh Rajput as executive vice president for sales & marketing of the cable division effective 11 March 2025. Rajput, who has been a key pillar of the organisation for over two decades, is stepping down for personal reasons, bringing an emotional close to his illustrious 21-year tenure.
In his resignation letter, Rajput expressed gratitude to Anil Rai Gupta, chairman & MD of Havells, and the late Qimat Rai Gupta, acknowledging their trust and support in shaping his career. “This was a difficult decision, but the memories and experiences I have gathered at Havells will always stay with me,” he wrote, reflecting on his journey with the company.
Havells, one of India’s top electrical goods companies, has yet to announce a successor for the EVP role. The company’s leadership transition comes at a time when it continues to expand its market presence in the consumer and industrial segments.
Rajput’s departure marks a significant shift in Havells’ senior management, as the company navigates a dynamic business landscape. Industry insiders anticipate an announcement regarding the next phase of leadership soon. This resignation was formally communicated to the National Stock Exchange (NSE) and Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) in compliance with SEBI’s listing obligations.
Brands
Radico Khaitan appoints Kunal Madan as chief marketing officer
Promotions signal focus on premium spirits, global expansion and homegrown leadership
UTTAR PRADESH: Radico Khaitan has elevated two long-serving insiders to its top leadership team, signalling a bold push into premium spirits and global markets. Kunal Madan steps in as chief marketing officer, while Sudhir Upadhyay takes charge as chief sales officer, both part of what managing director Abhishek Khaitan calls a consciously built next-generation leadership bench.
“At Radico Khaitan, our growth has always been powered by people,” Khaitan said. “True leadership is not imported, it is cultivated.” He added that empowering internal talent ensures continuity while keeping the company globally competitive and future-ready.
Madan, with over 20 years of experience across global sales and marketing, will drive brand architecture, marketing strategy, and the premiumisation agenda, including travel retail. Upadhyay, who has 25 years in the industry and was most recently national sales head, will oversee distribution expansion and execution across markets.
The leadership reshuffle comes amid Radico’s intensified focus on premium spirits, a segment driving higher margins and international growth. Last year, Ajay Kakkar was brought on to head the Premium On-Trade vertical, targeting modern and institutional channels to boost presence in high-growth segments.
Meanwhile, Amar Sinha stepped down as chief operating officer after contributing across multiple growth phases. Khaitan acknowledged Sinha’s role in supporting the company’s trajectory, while Sinha described his tenure as “an absolute privilege,” crediting Khaitan’s leadership for shaping the company’s strategic direction.
With a homegrown leadership bench and a clear premium agenda, Radico Khaitan is set to accelerate its global expansion while doubling down on brand elevation and market impact.
