MAM
How Nero India successfully revived Indian craftsmanship on their journey
Mumbai: Rishika Jain and Sambhav Jain embarked on a transformative journey that began with a passion for preserving and promoting traditional Indian craftsmanship inspired by the purity of nature and fluidity of water, their brand, Nero India, was born. Their vision is to revive age-old artisanal techniques while infusing them with modern aesthetics, creating an unparalleled experience for its patrons.
Rishika and Sambhav recognized the immense talent and skill possessed by Indian artisans, which often went unnoticed in a rapidly modernizing world. They saw an opportunity to bridge the gap between tradition, modernity, and sustainability by infusing contemporary design elements with sustainable age-old techniques. Nero India aimed not only to revive dying crafts but also to make them relevant in today’s market. Nero’s mastery is evident in its adept fusion of hand-block prints with solid panels, a technique that creates mesmerizing contrasts and captivates the eye with its visual allure. The intricate Zari embroidery on an expansive range of fabrics, including Organza, Chanderi, Tissue, Velvet, and Cotton ensures versatility and luxury in every piece.
The founders embarked on a mission to empower local artisans, providing them with a platform to showcase their craftsmanship to a global audience. By leveraging e-commerce platforms and social media, they were able to reach customers beyond geographical boundaries. Key to their success was their ability to adapt traditional techniques to contemporary tastes. Nero India stands as a testament to their vision, offering a harmonious blend of tradition and trendsetting innovation, akin to a true work of art that resonates with fashion enthusiasts worldwide.
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.
