MAM
SW Network appoints Keerthi Kumar as business head for Bengaluru operations
MUMBAI: SW Network, an advertising and marketing agency known for integrating creativity with technology, is expanding its presence in Bengaluru. The agency focuses on delivering innovative solutions that combine media, technology, and strategy to drive impact for clients in India and beyond.
SW Network has appointed Keerthi Kumar as the business head for its Bengaluru operations. With over 14 years of experience at agencies such as Leo Burnett, Dentsu Webchutney, and FoxyMoron, has successfully managed award-winning campaigns for global and domestic brands. He has built high-performing teams and led initiatives that have garnered industry recognition and delivered measurable business outcomes.
SW Network co-founder Raghav Bagai commented, “Bengaluru is India’s tech capital, and our expansion here reflects our ambition to be at the forefront of creative and technological excellence. Keerthi’s expertise in delivering integrated solutions that merge creativity with cutting-edge technology will enable us to provide even greater value to our clients and establish SW Network as a dominant force in the region and beyond.”
SW Network co-founder Pranav Agarwal added; “At SW Network, we focus on creating meaningful impact through creativity, technology, and strategy. Keerthi’s expertise in market dynamics and team building aligns with our vision to set new benchmarks in Bengaluru. His leadership will drive our regional growth while shaping a future where brands, innovation, and value come together.”
Keerthi Kumar sharing his vision said: “As SW Network deepens its presence in Bengaluru, the agency continues to uphold its commitment to adding value by merging creativity, media, technology, and strategy to offer transformative solutions for its clients. Building on our strong foundation and core values, we are dedicated to developing a high-performing team that delivers significant impact and enduring value to our clients.”
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.
