MAM
Manish Sharma steps down as Panasonic chairman
MUMBAI: After 17 years of electrifying leadership, Manish Sharma is pulling the plug on his Panasonic journey. The long-time industry stalwart has stepped down as chairman of Panasonic Life Solutions India and South Asia, marking the end of an era for the brand’s India operations.
Sharma, who began his Panasonic innings in 2008, rose through the ranks with trademark precision, from managing director to president & CEO of Panasonic India, and eventually chairman in 2021. Over nearly two decades, he steered the company’s expansion across B2C, B2B and B2G segments, driving strategy, innovation and growth in India and beyond.
Under his watch, Panasonic strengthened its foothold across consumer electronics, electrical construction materials, and smart home solutions. Known for his steady hand and future-focused mindset, Sharma helped transform the brand into a more agile, digital-ready enterprise.
Before joining Panasonic, he built his expertise at Samsung, Haier and LG Electronics, where he honed his technical and leadership acumen, from R&D and operations to marketing and product development. His career trajectory reads like a blueprint for India’s consumer electronics evolution over the past three decades.
Sharma’s departure marks the close of a significant chapter for Panasonic’s India operations, where he played a key role in driving growth and innovation.
As he steps away from the boardroom, Sharma leaves behind a legacy defined by innovation, resilience and a relentless pursuit of excellence, qualities that have kept Panasonic’s light shining bright in India’s dynamic market.
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.
