MAM
Ecom Express designates Pankaj Singh as chief commercial officer
Mumbai: Ecom Express Ltd, a technology-driven end-to-end logistics solutions provider, announces a new role of chief commercial officer at Ecom Express, with Pankaj Singh, ex-founder of a proptech venture – Multiliving Technologies, taking up the role effective from 4 January 2024.
In this key role, Singh will spearhead the company’s end-to-end procurement, covering sourcing, spend management and strategic management of cost levers of the supply chain. This is a new role and structure being created by Ecom Express to build a stronger P&L focus and driving a clear cost management agenda.
Pankaj Singh comes with a distinguished career as an entrepreneur, founding and managing multiple successful businesses at the intersection of physical set-up in real estate and technology solutions. In his previous stints, he has handled multi-thousand crore spends across large brands. He was previously the chief growth officer at The House of Abhinandan Lodha. Pankaj is an IIM-Ahmedabad graduate, batch of 2011.
“Pankaj’s deep understanding of running start-ups and sharper focus on driving cost efficiency will enable tangible results and drive a larger P&L impact for the company,” said Ecom Express CEO & MD Ajay Chitkara. “We are confident that his leadership will propel Ecom Express to even greater heights, solidifying our position as a leader in the logistics industry.”
Brands
Nykaa eyes majority stake in Deepika Padukone’s 82°E brand
Deal could help scale premium label as Nykaa sharpens its beauty play
MUMBAI: Nykaa is in advanced discussions to acquire a majority stake in 82°E, the premium skincare label founded by Deepika Padukone, according to media reports.
The proposed deal signals Nykaa’s intent to deepen its House of Nykaa portfolio while giving 82°E the scale it has struggled to achieve independently. Padukone is expected to retain a minority stake if the transaction goes through.
For Nykaa, the play is both strategic and timely. With a customer base of over 42 million, the company is betting on its strong distribution, logistics, and repeat purchase ecosystem to revive the brand’s momentum. The two sides already share a working relationship, with Padukone serving as Nykaa’s global brand ambassador since September 2025.
Launched in late 2022, 82°E entered the market with a premium positioning but has faced headwinds. The brand reported revenue of Rs 14.7 crore in FY25, down 30 per cent year on year, alongside losses of Rs 12.26 crore. Industry observers have pointed to steep pricing, a somewhat diffused brand identity, and intense competition from digital-first labels as key challenges.
The potential acquisition also reflects a broader shift in India’s beauty and lifestyle space, where celebrity-led brands are increasingly partnering with larger corporates to unlock scale. Alia Bhatt’s Ed-a-Mamma, for instance, sold a majority stake to Reliance Retail, while Katrina Kaif’s Kay Beauty has emerged as a standout success within Nykaa’s portfolio, clocking Rs 132.4 crore in FY25 revenue.
Nykaa itself has been on a strong growth trajectory. Its parent, FSN E-Commerce Ventures, reported a 156 per cent jump in net profit to Rs 68 crore in the December 2025 quarter, with revenue reaching Rs 2,873 crore.
Nykaa has been steadily building its portfolio through acquisitions such as Dot & Key, Earth Rhythm and Nudge Wellness, signalling a clear push to own and scale homegrown brands.
If the 82°E deal materialises, it could mark a fresh chapter for the label, blending celebrity appeal with corporate muscle. For Nykaa, it is another calculated step in staying ahead in an increasingly crowded beauty aisle.
