Brands
EBTL revamps global brand Identity
MUMBAI: EBTL, one of the leading companies at home, corporate, and hospitality automation segment in the global market announced the revamp of its corporate brand identity and added the phrase – “Smartly Ahead” as a new tagline. This is in line with company’s vision, represents its future direction and celebrates the exhilarating journey thus far.
The refreshed brand logo is a combination of EBTL’s name and the enabling sign ‘E’ swiftly connects you towards the brand idea and creates a sphere that depicts a whole 360-degree view. The tagline ‘Smartly Ahead’ is designed skilfully with a slanting trendy first letter (Smartly) and a bold and straight second letter (AHEAD) representing the brand’s business focus and pragmatic view into the company’s future, in India as well as globally.
Tactically creating a unique image in the market, EBTL’s new brand identity is aptly strategised to enable its reach amongst the key target audience, across the globe. The brand’s mission is to enhance the overall market demand and increase awareness for the automated products amongst buyers, not only in homes but for corporate and hospitality spaces.
Speaking about the revamp of the brand, EBTL CEO Monish Salhotra said, “It has been a fantastic journey for EBTL, from starting off as a home automation enabler in India; we have swiftly expanded in the US, Middle east and Southeast Asian markets. Our new logo and branding is affirming our focus towards growth of automation market globally. It encapsulates the journey of the brand and highlights how we are distinctively advanced in technology and are future ready for newer disruptions in the space. Smartly Ahead caters to the Youth of India as EBTL being the most innovative band in the automation industry targeting young consumers. The brand speaks for itself by being original and unambiguous.”
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.
