MAM
Mad Influence elevates Aman Narula to COO amid growth ambitions
MUMBAI: Mad Influence has announced the promotion of Aman Narula as its new chief operating officer (COO).With over seven years of experience, Aman previously served as head of operations at Mad Influence and has been instrumental in driving engagement and delivering measurable impact. His strategic vision and passion for innovation make him well-suited for his new role.
Reflecting on his promotion, Aman stated, “This role means a great deal to me. Looking back on the past seven years, I’m incredibly grateful for the journey, the challenges, and the milestones we’ve achieved together. None of this would have been possible without the unwavering support of our management and the dedication of my team, who continue to push boundaries every day. I’m committed to driving our vision forward, expanding into new verticals, and achieving even bigger goals. There’s a lot to build, and I’m excited for what lies ahead. Onwards and upwards!”
Mad Influence founder & CEO, Gautam Madhavan stated, “Aman has been an integral part of Mad Influence since its early days. His journey from a business development associate to COO is a testament to his dedication, resilience, and strategic mindset. He has played a crucial role in shaping our vision, turning challenges into opportunities, and driving operational excellence. As we enter a new phase of growth and innovation, I have full confidence in Aman’s leadership to take Mad Influence to greater heights. This promotion marks the start of an exciting new chapter.”
As the creator economy continues to evolve, collaboration and innovation have become essential. With expertise spanning social media, business development, and influencer marketing management, Aman is set to play a pivotal role in shaping Mad Influence’s future, driving its expansion and strengthening its position in the industry.
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.
