Kartikeya Vikram Sarabhai, one of the world’s leading environmental educators, is the Founder Director of the Centre for Environment Education (CEE). Established in 1984, CEE works across India impacting formal and informal environmental education and creating public awareness about conservation and sustainable development. He is the Managing Trustee of the Nehru Foundation for Development (NFD) established by Dr. Vikram Sarabhai, and is closely associated with various institutions connected with NFD namely the Vikram A Sarabhai Community Science Centre, VIKSAT, CHETNA and Khamir.
Mr. Sarabhai is the Chairman of Ambalal Sarabhai Enterprises Ltd and its associated group of companies. He has successfully steered the company towards recovery and growth since he took charge in the year 1994.
Mr Sarabhai is a Chairperson of the Sabarmati Ashram Preservation and Memorial Trust and was the Chair of the Governing Council of the Earth Charter International. He is currently the Chairperson of the Curricular Area Group for Environmental Education of the NCERT which is tasked with preparing the new textbook on the environment. He is associated with a number of educational and charitable trusts, several committees set up by the Government of India and other national and international organizations in the fields of environment, wildlife protection, culture and education.
Mr Sarabhai served as a member of the UNESCO Reference Group for the UN Decade for Education for Sustainable Development as well as Chair of UNESCO’s Global Action Program (GAP).
Mr Sarabhai was educated at Cambridge University, UK and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). In 2012, the Government of India conferred the Padma Shri Award upon him for exceptional and distinguished service in the field of Environmental Education. Among his several awards are the Olive Green Crusader Award from the International Advertising Association and the International Brandwein Medal from the Brandwein Institute and the IUCN- CEC.
Vishak Kumar is the CEO of Madura Fashion & Lifestyle (MFL) and Whole-time Director of Aditya Birla Fashion and Retail Ltd., (ABFRL). Vishak has been with the company since 1995 when he joined as a Management Trainee at MFL.
During his 28-year long stint, Vishak has worked across functions and occupied various roles in sales, marketing and retail. Prior to his stint as CEO of Madura, Vishak was the CEO of Aditya Birla Retail Ltd (ABRL), where he was instrumental in transforming and scaling up the “More” Supermarket and Hypermarket business.
Vishak has won multiple accolades for his stellar contribution across all industries that he has worked in, including fashion and retail. Within the ABG umbrella, in 2022, Vishak was honored as “Leader of Leaders” at Aditya Birla Group’s Chairman’s Awards. He was also conferred with the prestigious ‘Aditya Birla Fellow’ title from ABG in 2015.
Vishak is an IIM Bangalore alumnus and a computer engineer from BIT Ranchi. A keen sportsperson, he enjoys playing squash, badminton and tennis.
Akhilesh Prasad leads Reliance Retail’s Fashion & Lifestyle business, driving strategy, business and expansion for scale & sustained growth. Industry veteran with more than 30+ years in Retail in India, Akhilesh brings rich experience in retail-operations & business leadership across grocery, telecom and fashion. Akhilesh joined Trends in 2006 as Head-Operations and went on to become Chief Operations Officer. He has also worked with Reliance Webstore Ltd. as Chief Operating Officer. Prior to his stint with Reliance, he worked with brands Weekender, Weekender Kids and Toonworld, as Chief Executive Officer. Today he is leading Reliance Retail’s Fashion and Lifestyle business(F&L) as President and Chief Executive Officer. Under his able leadership, he has established Reliance F&L business as the largest fashion business in the country. He has transformed fashion retail landscape in India through establishing 18+ unique & diversified fashion retail concepts across Online and Offline channels with over 3,800+ stores in the country.(Ajio, Trends, Trends Footwear, Azorte, Yousta, GAP, Avantra, Centro, Fashion Factory, Swadesh etc.) Akhilesh is an alumni of St. Stephen’s College, Delhi and has acquired Economics (Hons) and went on to do his Post graduation from Delhi school of Economics. Akhilesh’s wife, Indira is a Homemaker and they have a son, Surya. Akhilesh likes to travel and has driven across the length and breadth of the country. He is particularly fond of wild life & nature.
Mr. B. S. Nagesh (popularly called as BSN) has been with Shoppers Stop Ltd since its inception in 1991 till 2009 as the MD of the company. In 2009 BSN stepped out of his operating roles and is now the Vice Chairman of the board. He was also responsible for the setting up Hypercity and the acquisition of Crossword. Mr. Nagesh is recognized as the pioneer of the retail boom in India, He was voted by Business India as one of the top 50 managers in India who will influence the Indian business scenario in the 21st century. Ernst & Young nominated him for the Entrepreneur of the Year Award 2005 as one of the top 30 finalists. Mr. Nagesh is the first Asian to be inducted into the “World Retail Hall of Fame” 2008 at the World Retail Congress 2008 conducted in Barcelona. Retail industry leaders and experts from across the Globe selected him in recognition of his supreme industry achievements. He was instrumental in setting up RAI (An industry body of Modern Retailers) Retailers Association of India. He has been the chairman of RAI from inception. Mr.B.S.Nagesh is also on the board of IGDS a worldwide body of leading departmental stores in the world. Mr Nagesh has now set up a charitable trust called Trust for Retailers and Retail Associates of India (TRRAIN). This trusts objective is to empower people in retail so that they can have a better life at work and home.
Abdus Samad’s journey in the eyewear industry is one of passion, perseverance, and innovation. In 2019, his entrepreneurial spirit led him to start Sam & Marshall Eyewear. Abdus began by selling eyewear door-to-door on his red scooty, a hands-on experience that cemented his commitment to delivering quality products directly to consumers.
In July 2019, recognizing the power of digital commerce, Abdus transitioned the brand to an online platform, sparking exponential growth. By 2022, Sam & Marshall Eyewear was recognized among India’s top 100 direct-to-consumer brands by the Images Group. In 2023, the brand earned the prestigious title of India’s fastest-growing MSME by ET.
Sam & Marshall Eyewear stands out for its design excellence and commitment to sustainability. The brand uses premium materials, such as bio-based acetate, TR, and tinted metal, ensuring durability and style. Signature collections, like the RARE Collection, reflect Abdus’s aesthetic vision of monochrome elegance.
In June 2024, Sam & Marshall Eyewear launched a range of sports sunglasses and eyewear accessories, further cementing its market presence. Under Abdus’s leadership, the brand continues to innovate, staying true to its commitment to customer satisfaction and ethical practices.
Awards & Recognitions:
– India’s Top 100 D2C Brands by Images Group, 2022
– India’s Fastest-Growing MSME by ET, 2023
– रोजगार देने के लिए दैनिक जागरण के सात सरोकारों में जनसंख्या नियोजन सम्मान, 2024
Abdus Samad’s journey from grassroots beginnings to digital excellence reflects his visionary leadership, positioning Sam & Marshall Eyewear as a standout brand in the D2C space.
Abdus Samad’s journey in the eyewear industry is one of passion, perseverance, and innovation. In 2019, his entrepreneurial spirit led him to start Sam & Marshall Eyewear. Abdus began by selling eyewear door-to-door on his red scooty, a hands-on experience that cemented his commitment to delivering quality products directly to consumers. In July 2019, recognizing the power of digital commerce, Abdus transitioned the brand to an online platform, sparking exponential growth. By 2022, Sam &…
A dynamic and visionary leader, Abhinav Kumar is the Co-founder of Brand Concepts Limited, a leading omnichannel Fashion Retail House in India. With a background in business, marketing, and brand management, he has consistently proven his mettle as an exceptional leader in the retail industry.
Abhinav began his career in advertising, which offered him a deep understanding of consumer behaviour and communication strategy. A defining chapter in his career saw Abhinav lead the marketing activities at Tommy Hilfiger India during his tenure with The Murjani Group. Under his adept leadership, Tommy Hilfiger not only achieved unprecedented milestones but also expanded its horizons by venturing into 10 diverse product categories. He was also part of the core team that was instrumental in ushering renowned international labels like Calvin Klein, FCUK, Jimmy Choo, Gucci, and Bottega Veneta into the Indian market.
At Brand Concepts Limited, Abhinav’s ambition and drive continue to propel the company to new heights. With a proven track record in business planning, strategy formulation, financial planning, and effective team building, he has seamlessly steered the company towards growth and innovation. His proficiency in project management and enhancing operational efficiency has been pivotal in executing the company’s budgeted plans to perfection.
Abhinav’s leadership style encapsulates a rare blend of visionary thinking and an ability to transform ideas into reality. His strategic acumen and profound insights into market trends have consistently kept Brand Concepts Limited ahead of the curve. As a team-builder, he fosters an environment of collaboration and creativity, empowering his team to contribute their best and achieve collective success. Throughout his career, he has not only adapted to the evolving business landscape but has also played an integral role in shaping it. His expertise in setting up robust systems, technology and processes for effective execution of plans has helped Brand Concepts Limited become synonymous with innovation, efficiency, and excellence.
Abhinav earned his MBA in Advertising and PR from Symbiosis International University in Pune. He is committed to leading Brand Concept Limited on its mission to make the latest fashion trends accessible to all. With an unwavering commitment to technical expertise, an expanding market presence, and an unyielding pursuit of excellence, he is transforming the brand into a formidable force over time.
A dynamic and visionary leader, Abhinav Kumar is the Co-founder of Brand Concepts Limited, a leading omnichannel Fashion Retail House in India. With a background in business, marketing, and brand management, he has consistently proven his mettle as an exceptional leader in the retail industry. Abhinav began his career in advertising, which offered him a deep understanding of consumer behaviour and communication strategy. A defining chapter in his career saw Abhinav lead the marketing activities…
Abhishek Anand comes with 17 years of expertise in fashion eCommerce and is the driving force behind some of the fastest-growing menswear brand and supply chain models in the industry. He is a supply chain specialist in head, a brand builder at heart, and a hustler at work.
Abhishek Anand comes with 17 years of expertise in fashion eCommerce and is the driving force behind some of the fastest-growing menswear brand and supply chain models in the industry. He is a supply chain specialist in head, a brand builder at heart, and a hustler at work.
Abhishek Ganguly is a business leader with a penchant for start-ups and sports. His business acumen coupled with a strong commercial sense makes him a strategist par excellence in the industry.
Abhishek has exposure to multiple consumer products and experience in managing various sales channels — Direct Retail, various wholesale networks and online commerce.
Before co-founding Agilitas Sports, Abhishek established PUMA India and drove its growth from scratch to success, which has been one of the biggest milestones in his career trajectory spanning over two decades.
Abhishek Ganguly is a business leader with a penchant for start-ups and sports. His business acumen coupled with a strong commercial sense makes him a strategist par excellence in the industry. Abhishek has exposure to multiple consumer products and experience in managing various sales channels — Direct Retail, various wholesale networks and online commerce. Before co-founding Agilitas Sports, Abhishek established PUMA India and drove its growth from scratch to success, which has been one of…
Aditya is a co-founder at Assembly, a d2c luggage & travel brand (www.assemblytravel.com). Previously, he was on the founding team of Tyroo (digital advertising network) and Kara (leather goods accessories brand). He is a B.Com (Hons.) from SRCC and is on leave from the full-time MBA program at Kellogg.
Aditya is a co-founder at Assembly, a d2c luggage & travel brand (www.assemblytravel.com). Previously, he was on the founding team of Tyroo (digital advertising network) and Kara (leather goods accessories brand). He is a B.Com (Hons.) from SRCC and is on leave from the full-time MBA program at Kellogg.
Agnes Raja George, a visionary leader in the fashion retail industry from Bangalore, brings over 23 years of extensive experience to the fore. As the Founder and Managing Director of Pipin Fashions and Retail Pvt Ltd, he successfully launched and developed Brand De Moza into a prominent name. His entrepreneurial spirit also led him to co-found REOR Consulting Private Limited, where he innovated retail planning and inventory optimization solutions. With expertise in strategic planning, product development, and P&L management, Agnes continues to drive success and inspire innovation in fashion retail.
Agnes Raja George, a visionary leader in the fashion retail industry from Bangalore, brings over 23 years of extensive experience to the fore. As the Founder and Managing Director of Pipin Fashions and Retail Pvt Ltd, he successfully launched and developed Brand De Moza into a prominent name. His entrepreneurial spirit also led him to co-found REOR Consulting Private Limited, where he innovated retail planning and inventory optimization solutions. With expertise in strategic planning, product…
IMAGES Group is the largest retail intelligence organization in South Asia and the Middle East. The Group’s knowledge platforms include print and online media, research books, and annual business events serving multiple verticals/segments of retail. The mega industry events include Phygital Retail Convention, Internet Commerce Summit, Shopping Centres Next, India Food Forum, India Fashion Forum and Middle East Retail Forum.
