Introduction

In a market where aspiration often precedes access, luxury and premium brands in India are no longer built on heritage alone; they are shaped by relevance, restraint, and remarkably thoughtful storytelling. As discerning consumers evolve, so does the role of marketing leadership, moving beyond visibility to meaning, and beyond campaigns to cultural impact.

Top Marketing Leaders Driving India’s Luxury & Premium Brands is our recognition of the strategic minds behind this shift, marketers who understand that luxury today is as much about emotion, experience, and trust as it is about exclusivity. These leaders are redefining how premium brands speak, behave, and connect in a country as complex and diverse as India. This series celebrates marketing leaders whose clarity of vision, nuanced understanding of premium consumers, and commitment to long-term brand building have elevated India’s luxury and premium ecosystem. Through purposeful storytelling, meticulous brand stewardship, and an unwavering focus on excellence, they continue to set new standards for aspiration, influence, and enduring brand value.

Amritesh Bakshi | Hyatt Group: At Hyatt Group, Amritesh Bakshi operates in a hospitality environment shaped by experience, emotion, and global standards. His approach to brand building focuses on creating meaningful guest connections while staying true to Hyatt’s ethos of care and authenticity. By aligning storytelling with service-led experiences, he has contributed to strengthening Hyatt’s presence and resonance within India’s premium and luxury hospitality landscape.

Arshia Mehra | Mulmul: Mulmul’s gentle, design-led ethos is reflected clearly in Arshia Mehra’s work with the brand. Her approach centres on simplicity, emotional connection, and conscious storytelling, resonating strongly with today’s mindful consumer. By building a narrative that values comfort, craft, and community, she has helped Mulmul carve a distinctive space within India’s contemporary premium fashion landscape.

Darshpreet Raheja | Kiehl’s Since 1851: At Kiehl’s Since 1851, Darshpreet Raheja has helped nurture a brand that thrives on authenticity, science-backed storytelling, and customer trust. Her approach reflects a thoughtful balance between the brand’s apothecary heritage and the expectations of today’s informed beauty consumer. By focusing on education-led engagement and meaningful brand experiences, she has helped deepen Kiehl’s relationship with its Indian audience.

Debraj Sengupta | Victorinox: Precision, heritage, and functionality define Victorinox, and Debraj Sengupta’s work mirrors these very values. Operating within a brand known for its Swiss legacy, his focus lies in maintaining authenticity while engaging a new generation of premium consumers. Through disciplined brand stewardship, he has contributed to Victorinox’s sustained relevance in India’s lifestyle and utility-led luxury space.

Deepika Savant | Onitsuka Tiger India: Positioned at the intersection of heritage and modern style, Onitsuka Tiger India has found a strong voice under Deepika Savant’s leadership. Her work reflects a nuanced understanding of the brand’s Japanese legacy while translating it into a fashion-forward, lifestyle narrative for Indian consumers. By focusing on cultural relevance and experiential brand building, she has helped establish Onitsuka Tiger as a distinctive presence within India’s premium sneaker and lifestyle segment.

Kalpana Rangamani | Titan Company Limited: Kalpana Rangamani operates at the intersection of scale, innovation, and Indian consumer insight at Titan Company Limited. Her leadership reflects a deep understanding of how legacy Indian brands evolve without losing their core values. Through thoughtful brand stewardship and market-led strategy, she continues to play a role in strengthening Titan’s influence across India’s premium lifestyle and retail ecosystem.

Karan Dua | Under Armour: Driving Under Armour’s journey in India, Karan Dua operates at the intersection of performance, community, and culture. His focus goes beyond product, centering on building an ecosystem around fitness, sport, and active lifestyles. By aligning global performance credentials with India’s rapidly growing fitness movement, he has contributed to strengthening Under Armour’s presence among performance-driven and aspiration-led consumers alike.

Kaustav Dey | Tommy Hilfiger, Calvin Klein, Arrow India: Managing a diverse portfolio of globally recognised fashion brands, Kaustav Dey brings strategic balance and clarity to brand leadership. His work spans distinct brand identities, from casual American classics to contemporary lifestyle fashion, each requiring a unique consumer approach. By aligning global brand DNA with local market insights, he has contributed to sustaining relevance and scale across India’s premium fashion retail ecosystem.

Karen Thompson | MAC Cosmetics: At MAC Cosmetics, Karen Thompson works with a brand known for self-expression, artistry, and cultural relevance. Her approach to marketing reflects a deep understanding of how creativity and community shape modern beauty conversations. By championing bold storytelling and inclusive engagement, she has contributed to strengthening MAC’s connection with India’s diverse, trend-forward beauty consumers.

Khushnooma Kapadia | Marriott International Inc.: Operating within one of the world’s largest hospitality portfolios, Khushnooma Kapadia brings clarity and cohesion to brand building at Marriott International Inc. Her work focuses on aligning global standards with local cultural nuance, enabling diverse hotel brands to connect meaningfully with Indian travellers. With a sharp focus on consistency, experience, and trust, she has played a key role in reinforcing Marriott’s leadership in India’s premium and luxury hospitality landscape.

Konia Khanna | Swarovski: Sparkle alone does not build a brand, and Konia Khanna’s work at Swarovski reflects this understanding. Her approach focuses on positioning the brand as both aspirational and accessible, blending global design language with contemporary lifestyle relevance. Through creative storytelling and consistent brand communication, she has helped Swarovski maintain its appeal among evolving Indian consumers.

Lalit Makhijani | Godrej Properties Limited: Lalit Makhijani’s approach to brand leadership at Godrej Properties Limited is anchored in legacy, innovation, and responsibility. Working with a brand that blends trust with forward-looking development, he focuses on communicating sustainable growth and thoughtful urban living. His efforts help reinforce Godrej Properties’ standing as a respected name in India’s premium and luxury real estate ecosystem.

Mayuri Singh | Samsonite South Asia Pvt. Ltd.: At Samsonite, Mayuri Singh works with a brand synonymous with trust and global travel. Her leadership reflects a clear understanding of evolving consumer needs in mobility and lifestyle, balancing innovation with reliability. By strengthening brand relevance through thoughtful positioning and experience-led communication, she continues to reinforce Samsonite’s standing in India’s premium travel and luggage segment.

Meghna Zutshi | Jaypore: Jaypore’s celebration of Indian craft finds a strong custodian in Meghna Zutshi. Her approach to brand building is rooted in storytelling that honours artisanship while appealing to contemporary sensibilities. By thoughtfully curating narratives around culture, design, and provenance, she has played a key role in strengthening Jaypore’s position as a platform for modern Indian craft.

Mihin Mehta | Shazé Luxury Retail Pvt. Ltd.: Mihin Mehta’s work at Shazé reflects a nuanced understanding of modern luxury, where design, functionality, and emotion intersect. His approach centres on making premium home and lifestyle products feel personal and relevant to today’s consumers. Through refined positioning and experience-led narratives, he has contributed to shaping Shazé’s identity within India’s evolving luxury retail landscape.

Mohd Mobin | Massimo Dutti India: Mohd Mobin’s work with Massimo Dutti India reflects a refined understanding of understated luxury and modern elegance. Focused on consistency, craftsmanship, and timeless appeal, he has played a key role in positioning the brand as a destination for elevated, minimalist fashion. His leadership emphasizes subtle storytelling and experience-led retail, reinforcing Massimo Dutti’s place within India’s premium fashion landscape.

Mohit Mishra | DLF Limited: At DLF Limited, Mohit Mishra works at the intersection of scale, aspiration, and long-term brand trust. His approach reflects a clear understanding of how real estate brands are built not just through developments, but through credibility and consistency. By shaping narratives that balance legacy with modern living, he has contributed to reinforcing DLF’s leadership in India’s premium and luxury real estate landscape.

Naitri Shah | Bottega Veneta, Jimmy Choo, Emporio Armani, Giorgio Armani (Reliance Brands Limited): Naitri Shah brings a measured, detail-driven approach to managing some of the world’s most storied luxury fashion houses. Her work reflects a deep respect for brand legacy, coupled with a contemporary understanding of how luxury is experienced today. Focused on consistency, craftsmanship, and elevated consumer touchpoints, she has played a key role in strengthening brand desirability and maintaining the integrity of these iconic labels within India’s evolving luxury market.

Nataasha Dalvie | Montblanc India: At Montblanc India, Nataasha Dalvie brings a refined sense of storytelling to a brand rooted in craftsmanship, heritage, and timeless luxury. Her work reflects an understanding of how modern luxury consumers engage with legacy brands, through experience, meaning, and authenticity. By thoughtfully shaping brand narratives and consumer touchpoints, she has contributed to strengthening Montblanc’s presence in India’s premium writing instruments and accessories space.

Neha Mansharamani | Sephora: Few retail environments demand as much agility and consumer insight as beauty, and Neha Mansharamani’s work at Sephora reflects a clear command of both. She has played a key role in shaping how global beauty trends are discovered, experienced, and adopted by Indian consumers. With a focus on immersive retail, community building, and relevance, her leadership continues to strengthen Sephora’s position as a destination for premium beauty exploration.

Nitin Singh | M3M India Private Limited: Fast-paced growth demands sharp positioning, and Nitin Singh’s work at M3M India Private Limited reflects this momentum. Operating within a dynamic luxury real estate environment, his focus has been on creating strong brand recall through bold communication and differentiated storytelling. His efforts continue to support M3M’s image as a contemporary, design-forward developer in India’s premium property market.

Niti Uttam | Forever New: Niti Uttam has played a key role in shaping Forever New’s positioning as an accessible yet aspirational fashion brand in India. With a keen eye on evolving trends and consumer preferences, her work focuses on maintaining freshness while staying true to the brand’s feminine and modern identity. Her leadership continues to strengthen Forever New’s appeal among style-conscious Indian consumers seeking global fashion sensibilities.

Pallavi Gopal | The Indian Hotels Company Limited (IHCL): At The Indian Hotels Company Limited, Pallavi Gopal works with brands that define Indian hospitality at its finest. Her approach to marketing reflects a deep understanding of legacy, emotion, and guest experience, key pillars of IHCL’s enduring appeal. By thoughtfully shaping narratives that celebrate heritage while embracing contemporary travel expectations, she has contributed to strengthening IHCL’s position across India’s luxury and premium hospitality landscape.

Preeti Singh | Roberto Cavalli, Just Cavalli, Cavalli Class, Bateel (AP Group): From high-fashion to luxury gifting, Preeti Singh’s role at AP Group spans an eclectic mix of globally recognised names including Roberto Cavalli, Just Cavalli, Cavalli Class, and Bateel. Her work is marked by versatility, adapting brand narratives to suit diverse audiences while preserving each label’s distinct identity. Through thoughtful positioning and experience-led storytelling, she has helped strengthen the presence of these international brands within India’s premium and luxury lifestyle landscape.

Priyamvada Jagia | Fossil Group, Inc.: Priyamvada Jagia’s work at Fossil Group, Inc. reflects a modern approach to lifestyle branding, one that balances design, functionality, and emotional connection. With a clear focus on contemporary consumers, she has contributed to shaping how Fossil’s portfolio engages across fashion, accessories, and digital touchpoints. Her efforts reinforce the brand’s relevance in a fast-moving premium accessories market.

Rajesh Sethuraman | Marks and Spencer (Reliance India Private Limited): Rajesh Sethuraman’s contribution to Marks and Spencer in India is defined by scale, trust, and sustained relevance. Operating in a highly competitive retail environment, he has focused on building a brand that resonates with Indian consumers while staying anchored to its global DNA. His leadership emphasizes reliability, everyday premium value, and long-term brand connection, reinforcing Marks and Spencer’s position as a trusted name in India’s premium retail landscape.

Rashmi Kerketta | Pottery Barn & Pottery Barn kids India Business (Reliance Brands Limited): Rashmi Kerketta’s leadership at Reliance Brands Limited has played a pivotal role in shaping the India business for Pottery Barn and Pottery Barn Kids, bringing global design sensibilities into Indian homes with clarity and care. With a sharp understanding of evolving lifestyle aspirations, she has focused on building brands that balance timeless aesthetics with everyday functionality. Her approach reflects a deep respect for craftsmanship, customer experience, and long-term brand equity, making her contribution instrumental in strengthening the presence of these iconic home and kids’ brands within India’s growing premium retail landscape.

Raunika Malhotra | Lodha Group: Raunika Malhotra brings a refined, consumer-first perspective to brand building at the Lodha Group. Her work centres on translating architectural excellence and luxury living into compelling narratives that resonate with discerning homebuyers. By focusing on clarity, aspiration, and experience, she has played a role in strengthening Lodha’s position as a benchmark for premium residential development in India.

Reema Mathur | Amã Stays and Trails: At Amã Stays and Trails, Reema Mathur brings a warm, experience-led lens to luxury hospitality marketing. Working with a brand rooted in intimate, slow travel, her approach centres on storytelling that celebrates authenticity, local character, and personalised stays. By shaping narratives that feel both aspirational and deeply human, she has contributed to strengthening Amã’s position within India’s evolving luxury homestay and experiential travel landscape.

Ritika Verma | Maison Margiela, Giorgio Armani, Prada, Valentino and premium brands like Ralph Lauren and Azzaro (Global SS Beauty Brands Limited): Working across an enviable portfolio that includes Maison Margiela, Giorgio Armani, Prada, Valentino, and premium fragrance names such as Ralph Lauren and Azzaro, Ritika Verma operates in a space where nuance and precision matter deeply. Her approach reflects a strong understanding of how global luxury beauty and fragrance brands must be introduced, experienced, and nurtured in the Indian market. By balancing brand heritage with contemporary consumer insight, she has contributed to building aspiration, trust, and long-term brand equity across categories.

Rushabh S. | Rustomjee: At Rustomjee, Rushabh S. brings a people-centric lens to real estate brand building. His focus lies in creating narratives around lifestyle, community, and design rather than just square footage. By aligning brand communication with consumer aspirations, he has contributed to Rustomjee’s resonance as a thoughtful developer within India’s premium housing segment.

Sahil Ramchandani | Manish Malhotra: Working with one of India’s most iconic fashion names, Sahil Ramchandani’s contribution lies in shaping how couture and celebrity-driven fashion engage with a wider audience. His approach blends glamour with strategic storytelling, ensuring the brand remains culturally influential while expanding its reach beyond the runway. Through consistent narrative building, he has helped reinforce Manish Malhotra’s position as a defining force in India’s luxury fashion landscape.

Sakshi Sehdev Dogra | Radisson Hotel Group: In a hospitality landscape defined by scale and diversity, Sakshi Sehdev Dogra brings clarity and cohesion to brand building at Radisson Hotel Group. Her work focuses on translating global hospitality standards into locally resonant guest experiences across multiple touchpoints. By balancing consistency with adaptability, she has helped strengthen Radisson’s connect with modern travellers while reinforcing the group’s presence across India’s premium and upper-upscale hotel segments.

Salman Bukhari | Raw Mango: At Raw Mango, Salman Bukhari’s approach to brand building is rooted in authenticity and cultural depth. Working with a label that champions Indian textiles and craft traditions, his focus remains on preserving the brand’s philosophy rather than chasing fleeting trends. Through thoughtful storytelling and restrained communication, he has contributed to strengthening Raw Mango’s identity as a modern yet deeply traditional luxury brand.

Sarina Menezes | Oberoi Realty Limited: Known for its focus on quality and precision, Oberoi Realty Limited finds a strong brand custodian in Sarina Menezes. Her approach to marketing reflects the brand’s emphasis on thoughtful design, trust, and long-term value. Through measured communication and consistent brand expression, she has helped reinforce Oberoi Realty’s reputation within India’s luxury real estate segment.

Saumya Upadhyaya | ITC Hotels: At ITC Hotels, Saumya Upadhyaya brings a thoughtful, value-led approach to luxury hospitality branding. Working with a portfolio known for sustainability, Indian ethos, and refined service, her focus lies in crafting narratives that go beyond opulence to reflect responsibility and purpose. By aligning brand communication with guest experience and long-term trust, she has contributed to reinforcing ITC Hotels’ distinct position within India’s premium hospitality landscape.

Shashank Kumar | Rolex India: In a category where discretion often speaks louder than communication, Shashank Kumar’s leadership at Rolex India stands out for its restraint and precision. Working with one of the world’s most revered watch brands, his focus remains on preserving brand integrity while deepening consumer trust. By aligning heritage, exclusivity, and experience, he has contributed to sustaining Rolex’s iconic stature in India’s ultra-luxury timepiece segment.

Shivaani D Mallik | Da Milano Leathers Pvt. Ltd.: Working within a category driven by craftsmanship and everyday luxury, Shivaani D Mallik brings clarity and consistency to Da Milano’s brand journey. Her focus on design, accessibility, and evolving consumer expectations has helped the brand strengthen its presence in India’s premium leather goods market. By aligning product storytelling with lifestyle aspirations, she supports the brand’s continued growth.

Shreshta Jana | L’Oréal Luxe India: In a portfolio defined by prestige, heritage, and aspiration, Shreshta Jana brings a refined, strategic lens to brand leadership at L’Oréal Luxe India. Her work reflects a deep understanding of luxury beauty consumers and the importance of storytelling rooted in both emotion and expertise. By shaping narratives that resonate across touchpoints, she has contributed to elevating how luxury beauty brands connect with India’s discerning audience.

Snehal Sharma | House of Anita Dongre Limited: At the House of Anita Dongre Limited, Snehal Sharma operates within a space where sustainability, craftsmanship, and design integrity converge. Her work reflects a deep respect for the brand’s ethos while ensuring its narratives remain resonant with modern consumers. Through purposeful communication and brand stewardship, she has supported the continued evolution of one of India’s most respected luxury fashion houses.

Snigdha Chowdhary | Nicobar: At Nicobar, Snigdha Chowdhary brings a calm, considered voice to a brand built on design, culture, and mindful living. Her work focuses on creating emotional resonance through simplicity and relevance rather than excess. By shaping narratives that reflect modern Indian lifestyles, she has contributed to Nicobar’s growing appeal as a thoughtful, design-led premium brand.

Surabhi Negi | Reliance Brands Limited: Surabhi Negi’s leadership spans an exceptionally diverse portfolio of global luxury and premium brands, each with its own heritage, audience, and creative language. Her strength lies in navigating this complexity with precision, ensuring every brand retains its distinct voice while remaining relevant to the Indian luxury consumer. By blending global brand standards with sharp local insight, she has helped deepen market presence, strengthen retail narratives, and build lasting aspiration across categories.

Tara Antony | Good Earth: Few brands embody Indian luxury as deeply as Good Earth, and Tara Antony’s contribution reflects this depth. Her leadership emphasizes authenticity, sustainability, and cultural continuity, ensuring the brand’s stories remain rooted yet contemporary. Through careful brand stewardship, she continues to reinforce Good Earth’s position as a pioneer in India’s luxury lifestyle space.

Tarun Gupta | The Leela Palaces, Hotels and Resorts: At The Leela Palaces, Hotels and Resorts, Tarun Gupta works with a brand synonymous with grandeur, grace, and Indian luxury hospitality. His approach reflects a deep understanding of how heritage, service excellence, and contemporary guest expectations come together to shape memorable experiences. Through thoughtful storytelling and experience-led brand building, he has contributed to reinforcing The Leela’s position as a benchmark for luxury hospitality in India.

Toranj Mehta | De Beers India Pvt. Ltd.: At De Beers India Pvt. Ltd., Toranj Mehta operates within a category where rarity, trust, and emotion define brand value. Her work reflects a nuanced understanding of luxury jewellery and the evolving aspirations of Indian consumers. By balancing the brand’s rich global heritage with culturally resonant storytelling, she has contributed to strengthening De Beers’ presence as a symbol of authenticity and timeless elegance within India’s premium jewellery landscape.

Udit Jain | Dyson India: Udit Jain’s leadership at Dyson India sits at the intersection of innovation, performance, and premium technology. Working with a brand driven by engineering excellence, his focus has been on translating complex technology into clear, aspirational consumer narratives. Through disciplined brand communication and experience-led marketing, he has helped reinforce Dyson’s standing as a category-defining name in India’s premium home and personal care space.

Vikram Mohinta | The Oberoi Group: Few hospitality brands in India carry the legacy and trust that The Oberoi Group does, and Vikram Mohinta’s work reflects a deep understanding of this responsibility. His approach to brand leadership balances heritage with contemporary expectations, ensuring the group’s philosophy of intuitive service and understated luxury remains relevant across generations. Through thoughtful storytelling and experience-led communication, he continues to strengthen Oberoi’s position as a benchmark for Indian luxury hospitality.

Vishal Sharma | Raymond Limited – Realty Business: With Raymond Limited’s entry into real estate, Vishal Sharma plays a key role in extending a storied lifestyle brand into the world of premium living spaces. His work reflects an understanding of how brand equity can translate across categories while maintaining trust and aspiration. Through clear positioning and contemporary storytelling, he has helped shape Raymond Realty’s emerging identity in India’s premium residential market.

Conclusion

As India’s luxury and premium ecosystem continues to mature, the leaders featured in this R&R series stand out for the depth, intent, and clarity they bring to brand building. Spanning fashion, beauty, hospitality, real estate, and lifestyle, their work reflects a shared belief that luxury today is driven not just by visibility, but by meaning, experience, and long-term trust. By thoughtfully balancing global brand heritage with local cultural insight, these marketers are shaping how aspiration is defined, experienced, and sustained in India’s evolving premium landscape.

–This article is the result of thorough research conducted by the IST Research & Editorial team, with valuable support from technology partners like MiQ and Varun Mohan- Chief Commercial Officer at MiQ