Benetton India announced on Tuesday that its Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Ramprasad Sridharan, will be stepping down from his role to pursue a new professional opportunity. Sridharan will, however, continue to lead the business during a transitional period to ensure operational stability as the company works to finalize his successor.
The move comes as the Italian fashion brand continues to strengthen its position in the Indian market, which has been a significant growth driver for the company globally. Sridharan, who joined Benetton India in 2021, has played a key role in expanding the brand’s retail footprint and strengthening its presence across both offline and online channels.
“India has been a key market in Benetton’s growth journey and will remain a strategic priority for us,” said Claudio Sforza, CEO of Benetton Group, during his ongoing visit to India. “With our strong brand recognition and enduring consumer trust, we see clear opportunities for continued growth. We remain committed to building our business here in a consistent and sustainable manner.”
Benetton India currently operates nearly 300 standalone stores across the country, spanning both company-owned and franchise-operated formats. In addition to these physical locations, the brand boasts a wide distribution network through over 1,000 touchpoints, including multi-brand outlets and e-commerce platforms. This extensive presence has positioned Benetton as a prominent player in India’s fast-evolving fashion retail sector.
Under Sridharan’s leadership, Benetton India focused on deeper market penetration, enhanced customer engagement, and a renewed emphasis on localized marketing strategies. His exit marks the end of a pivotal chapter for the company, but the leadership transition is expected to be smooth, with the organization maintaining its growth trajectory.
Industry observers will be watching closely to see who will take the reins at Benetton India and how the company plans to navigate the competitive Indian apparel landscape going forward. As the brand looks ahead, its core strategy remains centered on sustainable growth, product innovation, and omnichannel expansion.
Benetton Group has yet to announce a definitive timeline or successor for the role, but sources indicate that an internal and external search is already underway.
