Brands
Kärcher India names Puneet Sharma as managing director
New Delhi: Kärcher India has tapped Puneet Sharma as managing director of Kärcher India, handing the India reins to a three-decade industry veteran as the cleaning-technology group sharpens its growth push in one of its most promising markets.
The appointment, effective January 21st 2026, puts a seasoned operator known for tight execution and P&L discipline at the helm of Kärcher India.
Sharma brings more than 30 years’ leadership experience across commercial, manufacturing and engineering-led businesses. His résumé spans managing director, ceo and board roles at Konecranes & Demag, Kohler Group, Greaves Cotton and Cummins India, where he helped drive growth, fortify operations and build scalable platforms.
An engineer by training, Sharma holds a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from Delhi College of Engineering and an MBA from Indiana University in the United States. Colleagues describe a leader with strategic bite, a people-first style and a bias for execution — traits Kärcher is counting on as competition and demand both intensify in India’s hygiene and cleaning market.
“I am happy to join Kärcher India at a time when our impact aligns perfectly with the national vision of Swachh Bharat,” Sharma said. “Kärcher’s commitment to innovation and quality strongly resonates with the need for advanced hygiene solutions in our communities. I look forward to working closely with the team to build scalable, future-ready capabilities that not only strengthen our leadership but actively contribute to the Clean India movement across both professional and consumer segments.”
Prashanth Srirangam, director at Kärcher India, framed the hire as a growth catalyst. “We are delighted to welcome Puneet Sharma to Kärcher India. His extensive industry experience, proven leadership capabilities and strong strategic vision will play a pivotal role in accelerating our growth trajectory and further strengthening our market leadership in India,” he said.
For Kärcher, the bet is clear: pair German engineering pedigree with local leadership muscle and sprint after India’s rising demand for professional and consumer cleaning solutions. With Sharma now at the controls, the company signals it is not just cleaning up — it is gearing up.
Brands
Bajaj Consumer Care FY26 profit rises to Rs 193.7 crore
Revenue climbs to Rs 1,092 crore as profit grows 49 per cent YoY
MUMBAI: Hair today, growth tomorrow Bajaj Consumer Care Limited seems to have found its shine again, posting a sharp jump in profitability even as it doubled down on brand spends and expansion. The company reported a net profit of Rs 193.7 crore for FY26, marking a strong 49 per cent rise from Rs 130.1 crore in FY25. Revenue from operations also grew to Rs 1,092.2 crore, up from Rs 942.8 crore a year earlier, signalling steady demand momentum across its portfolio.
For the March quarter, profit stood at Rs 64.1 crore, compared to Rs 31.5 crore in the corresponding period last year, while revenue rose to Rs 308.3 crore from Rs 243.5 crore.
The performance came despite a notable increase in spending. Advertising and sales promotion expenses climbed to Rs 168.3 crore in FY26, up from Rs 137.8 crore in FY25, reflecting continued investment in brand building. Other expenses also rose to Rs 151.3 crore from Rs 134.2 crore, indicating a broader push towards growth.
Operating efficiency, however, held firm. Profit before tax increased to Rs 234.8 crore in FY26 from Rs 157.7 crore a year earlier, supported by disciplined cost management across materials and inventory.
On the balance sheet, the company’s total assets expanded to Rs 959.1 crore as of March 31, 2026, compared to Rs 931.9 crore a year earlier. Other equity rose to Rs 780.3 crore, reinforcing a stronger financial base.
Cash flow from operations saw a significant uptick, reaching Rs 196.9 crore in FY26, nearly three times the Rs 67.9 crore recorded in FY25, highlighting improved working capital management.
However, the year also saw aggressive capital allocation. The company spent Rs 190.2 crore on share buybacks, contributing to a net cash outflow of Rs 196.5 crore from financing activities. Cash and cash equivalents stood at Rs 6.8 crore at the end of the year, down from Rs 25.6 crore.
Even as investments in subsidiaries and assets continued, the numbers suggest a company balancing growth ambitions with shareholder returns keeping one eye on expansion and the other on efficiency.
With margins improving and revenue steadily climbing, Bajaj Consumer Care appears to be combing through the competition with renewed confidence.
