Brands
Shivtek appoints Trusar Bagul as independent director
GURUGRAM: Shivtek Spechemi Industries has appointed Trusar D Bagul as an independent director, adding deep scientific firepower to its board as the specialty chemicals group pushes into greener manufacturing and high-value chemistry.
Bagul, who holds a PhD in organic chemistry from the National Chemical Laboratory in Pune, brings nearly three decades of experience across drug discovery, pharmaceuticals, fine chemicals and specialty chemicals. He is a prolific inventor and researcher with multiple US and Indian patents and international publications to his name.
The appointment is designed to strengthen board-level technical oversight and governance as Shivtek accelerates its R&D-led expansion into advanced and import-substitution chemistries, particularly in high-value, low-volume segments where precision and cost discipline are critical.
“We are reinforcing India’s self-reliance in the chemical sector through green manufacturing and advanced products,” said Shivtek Spechemi Industries managing director Amitt Nenwani. “Trusar Bagul’s scientific depth and advisory insight will be invaluable as we scale with discipline and strong governance.”
Bagul has held senior leadership roles across chemistry-led enterprises and currently advises pharmaceutical, biopharma and chemical companies on research and strategy. He has also undertaken post-doctoral research at Kyoto University and is a recipient of the Japan Society for Promotion of Science fellowship.
“I am delighted to join Shivtek at a pivotal stage of its growth,” Bagul said. “The company’s focus on sustainability, quality and global ambition aligns closely with my professional values.”
Founded in 1987, Shivtek is the flagship of the Shiva Group and operates manufacturing units in Kurnool, Rajpura and Dahej, exporting to more than 75 countries. Its capacity has scaled to 150,000 MTPA, as it positions itself as a global hub for green specialty chemistry.
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.
