MAM
“Retailers need to align with their customers’ values” – Grauer & Weil’s Santush Pandde
Mumbai: Imagine walking into a store that knows your preferences better than you do, one that prioritises eco-friendly packaging and proudly displays its local community partnerships. This isn’t the future—it’s now. Consumer behavior has undergone a seismic shift, demanding that retailers rethink their strategies to stay relevant in a competitive landscape.
Indiantelevision.com Sreeyom Sil sat down with Grauer & Weil (India) Limited (Growel’s 101 Mall), COO of real estate, Santush Pandde to explore how retailers can navigate this transformation and thrive in an era defined by digital dominance, sustainability, and personalised experiences.
What are the major factors driving changes in consumer behavior today?
The pandemic has accelerated trends already underway. Consumers today are more informed, socially conscious, and environmentally aware. They expect transparency, ethical practices, and meaningful engagement from brands. Sustainability is now a priority, not an option. Digital transformation has also changed how consumers shop—they seek personalised, seamless experiences across channels.
How should retailers respond to this shift in consumer priorities?
Retailers must go beyond merely offering products. They need to align with their customers’ values and focus on long-term relationship-building. Personalised shopping experiences, omnichannel engagement, and sustainability must form the pillars of their strategy. By doing so, they foster loyalty and remain competitive.
Can you elaborate on the role of digital tools in modern retail strategies?
Digital engagement is a cornerstone of retail success. Techniques like live-stream shopping and influencer partnerships are not just trends; they are essential for creating emotional connections with consumers. Interactive campaigns, like sustainability-themed challenges or eco-friendly reward programs, resonate deeply. These efforts not only drive sales but also demonstrate a brand’s commitment to shared values.
Why is sustainability so crucial for retail brands today?
Consumers are no longer passive shoppers; they actively seek brands that align with their values. Sustainable practices—such as reducing waste, using eco-friendly materials, and ethical sourcing—are non-negotiable. Transparency in these efforts builds trust. Retailers embracing sustainability don’t just attract environmentally conscious customers; they ensure long-term loyalty and distinguish themselves from competitors.
How can community engagement enhance a retailer’s brand image?
Community engagement humanises a brand. The “shop local” movement has gained momentum, making it vital for retailers to actively participate in their communities. Hosting local events, collaborating with nearby businesses, or supporting neighborhood initiatives can deepen consumer trust. Social media amplifies these efforts, allowing retailers to showcase their authentic commitment to their communities.
How can retailers balance digital and in-store experiences?
While digital tools are essential, physical stores remain important for categories like fashion and luxury. Omnichannel strategies—such as “click and collect” or in-store kiosks for online browsing—bridge the gap between the two worlds. Retailers must focus on creating seamless transitions, offering the convenience of digital with the tactile engagement of in-store experiences.
What practical steps should retailers take to future-proof their marketing mix?
Retailers need to reassess their approach constantly. Highlighting the distinct advantages of both online and offline shopping is key. For example, digital tools can provide convenience, while physical stores can offer curated, immersive experiences. The goal is to create a hybrid model that appeals to a broad customer base.
What is the ultimate takeaway for retailers aiming to adapt to this new era?
The retail landscape is evolving rapidly. Brands that prioritise sustainability, embrace digital tools, and invest in community connections will stay ahead. The ability to adapt, remain agile, and understand consumer values is critical. In the end, it’s about creating personalised, meaningful experiences that balance digital innovation with traditional engagement.
By aligning with shifting consumer mindsets, retailers not only ensure their relevance but also foster enduring loyalty. The road ahead may be complex, but the destination—deeper connections and greater success—is well worth the effort.
Brands
Boeing appoints Barun as head of FP&A for global engineering function
Seasoned finance leader to steer budgets and strategy across global centres
BENGALURU: Boeing’s finance cockpit has a new pilot, and he is no stranger to turbulence or transformation. Boeing has appointed Barun as head of FP&A for global engineering, placing him at the centre of financial strategy for its worldwide engineering and technology operations.
Based in Bengaluru, Barun steps into a role that is as expansive as it is critical. He will serve as the primary finance lead for Boeing’s Engineering and Technology Centers globally, working closely with executive leadership to shape financial decisions, manage complex budgets, and design scalable finance processes that support the company’s growing engineering footprint.
In a note announcing his move Barun said, “I’m excited to share that I’ve joined Boeing Global Engineering. This opportunity is incredibly meaningful to me not just from a professional standpoint, but also for what Boeing represents globally.” He added that he looks forward to contributing to an organisation that continues to shape the future of aerospace and innovation.
Barun’s mandate spans strategic financial leadership, operational oversight, and stakeholder engagement. From directing large-scale budgets and schedules to influencing long-term organisational goals, the role blends financial discipline with business foresight. He will also lead cross-functional teams and partner with finance colleagues worldwide to support engineering programmes across geographies, including India.
The appointment caps a long stint at Juniper Networks, where Barun spent over a decade, most recently as finance senior manager. There, he led FP&A for global product business units and G&A functions, driving budgeting, forecasting, and long-range planning. He also played a key role in enterprise-wide transformation, including spearheading an Oracle to SAP ERP migration and building advanced analytics capabilities using tools such as Tableau and SAP Analytics Cloud.
His earlier career includes finance leadership roles at Sony India Software Centre, Cognizant Technology Solutions, and Mphasis, where he focused on financial planning, governance frameworks, and operational efficiency across global delivery centres.
A chartered accountant from the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India, Barun brings nearly two decades of experience across financial planning, digital transformation, and analytics-led decision making.
His appointment comes at a time when global engineering operations are becoming increasingly complex and distributed, requiring sharper financial oversight and agile planning. With Barun at the helm of FP&A for engineering, Boeing appears to be tightening its financial playbook as it looks to scale innovation with discipline.
