MAM
Joy n Crew strengthens leadership with former Cox & Kings executives
MUMBAI: As the world gets ready to rediscover the joy of exploration in 2025, Joy n Crew is gearing up to redefine premium travel experiences.
In a bold move set to steer the company toward new horizons, the luxury travel brand has onboarded two stalwarts from the legendary Cox & Kings, signalling its ambition to lead the pack in an increasingly competitive travel industry.
With a rich legacy of curating unforgettable journeys, Joy n Crew is now doubling down on innovation and customer delight. These strategic appointments not only fortify its leadership team but also pave the way for a transformative digital strategy aimed at enhancing its premium services.
With a thriving customer base of 12,000 travellers, the company is set to inspire even more wanderlust while maintaining its reputation for excellence.
This is more than just a leadership shuffle—it’s the beginning of a new chapter for Joy n Crew and its loyal explorers.
Are you ready to join the expedition?
Sangram Ghorpade, formerly senior vice president at Cox & Kings, assumes the role of CEO at Joy n Crew. With over two decades of experience, Sangram has a stellar track record, including spearheading Cox & Kings’ expansion into tier one and tier two cities. Under his guidance, the franchise network grew from zero to 170 outlets, driving 25 per cent year-on-year growth in sales and profits. Ghorpade’s leadership was pivotal in crafting innovative travel solutions and fostering long-lasting customer relationships.
Speaking on his appointment, Ghorpade shared, “My passion for travel stems from its ability to create lasting memories and build meaningful connections. At Joy n Crew, we aim to deliver experiences that are both extraordinary and accessible. My strategy will focus on blending innovation with personalised service to grow our reach while remaining true to the ethos of thoughtful travel.”
Abhinav Chandra, an accomplished service quality leader with 22 plus years of experience, will take on the role of chief service delivery officer in February 2025. During his tenure at Cox & Kings, Abhinav transformed service delivery by implementing six sigma methodologies and digital transformation strategies, earning accolades like the Pinnacle Star Award.
Excited about his new journey, Chandra stated, “Joy n Crew is poised to redefine how we experience travel. I look forward to driving service excellence, building trust, and fostering innovation that enhances customer satisfaction. Travel is about the details, and I’m excited to ensure every touchpoint reflects the care and quality our customers deserve.”
The appointments signal Joy n Crew’s commitment to redefining premium travel through innovation, strategic leadership, and customer-centric experiences.
Joy n Crew founder, Pragya Adiraj expressed her enthusiasm, “Bringing Sangram and Abhinav on board marks a significant milestone for Joy n Crew. Both are seasoned leaders with a proven track record of delivering impactful results, particularly during their time at Cox & Kings. Their expertise, strategic vision, and customer-first approach align perfectly with our mission to make travel extraordinary. We are confident they will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of Joy n Crew and delivering unparalleled experiences to our customers.”
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.
