METRO BRANDS STEPS INTO A NEW ERA WITH HARSHAVARDHAN CHAUHAAN AS CHIEF MARKETING OFFICER

Metro Brands has appointed Harshavardhan Chauhaan as Chief Marketing Officer, reporting to CEO Nissan Joseph. With over 18 years of experience across retail, fashion, ecommerce, and global brands, Chauhaan is set to drive Metro’s consumer-first strategy and omnichannel expansion, strengthening its leadership in India’s fast-evolving footwear market.  

Metro Brands, one of India’s most prominent footwear retailers, has announced the appointment of Harshavardhan Chauhaan as its new Chief Marketing Officer (CMO). Chauhaan, who brings with him more than 18 years of experience across retail, fashion, ecommerce, and global consumer brands, will report directly to CEO Nissan Joseph. His arrival marks a significant moment in the company’s journey as it sharpens its focus on consumer-first strategies and prepares for its next phase of growth in India’s dynamic footwear market.  

Chauhaan’s career trajectory reflects a blend of deep industry knowledge and global exposure. Having worked with leading organisations such as Reckitt and Accenture, he has honed expertise in brand building, digital transformation, and customer engagement. His background spans diverse sectors, from fast-moving consumer goods to consulting and ecommerce, equipping him with a holistic understanding of how brands can evolve in rapidly changing markets. For Metro Brands, which has long been associated with its strong physical retail presence, Chauhaan’s appointment signals a deliberate push towards omnichannel expansion and sustainable brand leadership.  

Founded in 1955, Metro Brands has built a legacy as a trusted footwear retailer, with a portfolio that includes Metro Shoes, Mochi, Walkway, and exclusive partnerships with international names such as Crocs, FitFlop, and Skechers. Over the decades, the company has cultivated a reputation for quality, style, and accessibility, catering to diverse consumer segments across India. Yet, as the retail landscape undergoes seismic shifts driven by digital adoption, changing consumer behaviour, and heightened competition, Metro Brands recognises the need to reinvent itself for the future.  

The Indian footwear market is estimated to be among the largest in the world, buoyed by rising disposable incomes, urbanisation, and a growing appetite for fashion-forward yet functional products. At the same time, consumers are increasingly demanding seamless shopping experiences that blend offline and online channels. The pandemic accelerated this trend, pushing retailers to embrace ecommerce platforms, digital marketing, and data-driven decision-making. Metro Brands, with its extensive retail footprint, is uniquely positioned to leverage this transformation, but it requires a marketing leader who can bridge legacy strengths with new-age strategies. Chauhaan’s appointment is therefore both timely and strategic.  

Speaking about the development, CEO Nissan Joseph emphasised the importance of strengthening leadership as Metro Brands embarks on its next growth chapter. “We are delighted to welcome Harshavardhan to the Metro family. His experience across global brands and his understanding of consumer behaviour will be invaluable as we continue to expand our presence and deliver value to our customers. Metro Brands has always been about trust and innovation, and with Harshavardhan on board, we are confident of taking bold strides into the future,” Joseph said.  

For Chauhaan, the move represents an opportunity to shape a brand that is deeply rooted in India’s retail heritage while steering it towards modernity. “Metro Brands has an incredible legacy and a strong connection with consumers. I am excited to build on this foundation and drive strategies that put the customer at the centre of everything we do. From enhancing digital engagement to strengthening sustainability initiatives, the goal is to ensure Metro Brands remains a leader in India’s footwear industry,” he noted.  

One of the key areas where Chauhaan is expected to make an impact is in Metro’s omnichannel strategy. While the company has already invested in ecommerce platforms and digital marketing, the challenge lies in creating a truly integrated experience where physical stores and online channels complement each other seamlessly. This involves not just technology adoption but also reimagining customer journeys, personalisation, and loyalty programmes. Chauhaan’s past experience in ecommerce and global retail will be critical in navigating this transition.  

Another priority is sustainability, a theme increasingly shaping consumer choices and brand reputations. Footwear, as a category, faces scrutiny over materials, manufacturing processes, and environmental impact. Metro Brands has signalled its intent to take a fresh stride towards sustainable brand leadership, and Chauhaan’s role will involve embedding sustainability into marketing narratives and product innovation. From eco-friendly collections to responsible sourcing, the company aims to align with the values of a new generation of consumers who see sustainability not as a trend but as a necessity.  

Industry observers note that Metro Brands’ decision to strengthen its leadership team reflects broader trends in Indian retail, where companies are investing in seasoned professionals to navigate complexity and competition. With international brands expanding their footprint and homegrown players innovating aggressively, differentiation lies in how effectively companies can connect with consumers. Marketing, therefore, is no longer just about advertising but about building ecosystems of trust, engagement, and relevance.  

As Metro Brands embarks on this journey, Chauhaan’s appointment is likely to energise the company’s efforts to balance tradition with transformation. His blend of global exposure and local insight positions him to craft strategies that resonate with Indian consumers while meeting international benchmarks. For a brand that has walked alongside generations of Indians, the next chapter promises to be about agility, innovation, and sustainability.  

The footwear industry, much like fashion, thrives on reinvention. Metro Brands has shown resilience and adaptability over the decades, and with Chauhaan stepping in as CMO, the company is poised to stride confidently into a future where consumer expectations are higher than ever. The appointment is not just about filling a leadership role; it is about signalling intent—a commitment to growth, relevance, and leadership in a market that is both challenging and full of opportunity.  

In many ways, Metro Brands’ story mirrors the evolution of Indian retail itself: from physical stores that defined shopping experiences to digital platforms that now shape consumer journeys. With Harshavardhan Chauhaan at the helm of marketing, the company is preparing to weave these threads into a cohesive narrative of progress. For Metro Brands, the path ahead is clear: to remain a trusted name while embracing change, to honour its legacy while shaping the future, and to take a fresh stride towards sustainable brand leadership.