MAM
Sunaina Jairath joins RPG group as VP – group brand & communications
MUMBAI: Communications professional Sunaina Jairath has been appointed as vice president – group brand & communications at RPG Group. In her new role, she will oversee brand management, corporate communications, CSR, employer branding, and reputation management.
Sunaina brings extensive experience to this role, with a career spanning over two decades across diverse industries, including corporate communications, policy advocacy, marketing strategies, and social impact campaigns. She has previously held senior positions at organizations such as Bencos Research Solutions, Cred, Aliaxis, and Dentsu Creative, where she contributed to building robust communication protocols, spearheading digital campaigns, and mentoring cross-functional teams.
A graduate of Delhi University with a Postgraduate diploma in communication from Xavier Institute of Communication, Sunaina is known for her leadership, strategic acumen, and expertise in branding, stakeholder engagement, and market intelligence.
A big Calvin & Hobbes fan, the first things she looks out for in any newspaper is the comic strip. of her favorite characters And of course she loves her cuppa – nothing like coffee to freshen her up.
She expresses her enthusiasm for the new assignment: “Excited to join RPG Group and contribute to its legacy through impactful branding and communications strategies.
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.
