Benetton Group has appointed Nikhil Upadhye as Managing Director of Benetton India, effective October 16, 2025. Formerly the company’s Commercial Director, Upadhye succeeds Ramprasad Sridharan. With over 20 years’ experience across Reebok, Tata Wolverine, and Jio, he will lead Benetton’s next growth phase, focusing on retail, digital, and youth engagement.
Global fashion brand Benetton Group has announced the appointment of Nikhil Upadhye as the new Managing Director of Benetton India, effective October 16, 2025. Upadhye succeeds Ramprasad Sridharan, who stepped down earlier this year to pursue new professional opportunities.
The appointment marks a homecoming for Upadhye, who previously served as Commercial Director at Benetton India until February 2025. His return signals Benetton’s confidence in his understanding of the brand’s ethos, market strategy, and consumer base in one of its most dynamic growth markets.
With over two decades of leadership experience across the sports, footwear, telecom, and fashion industries, Upadhye brings a multifaceted perspective to his new role. His career includes significant tenures at Idea Cellular, Reebok, Tata Wolverine, Welspun UK, and Jio, where he honed his expertise in brand building, retail management, and business transformation.
An IMT Ghaziabad alumnus and Sloan Fellow from the London Business School, Upadhye is widely regarded for his strategic acumen and ability to navigate complex markets. His combination of local market insight and global perspective positions him well to lead Benetton India’s next phase of growth.
Under Upadhye’s leadership, Benetton India is expected to focus on strengthening its retail footprint, enhancing its omnichannel presence, and deepening engagement with younger consumers through digital innovation and sustainability-led initiatives. The brand, known for its iconic use of colour and progressive communication, has been steadily adapting to the evolving preferences of India’s fashion-conscious youth.
Industry observers view this leadership transition as timely, given the country’s fast-growing apparel and lifestyle sector. India remains one of Benetton’s most promising markets outside Europe, offering opportunities for both scale and creative experimentation.
Benetton Group, headquartered in Treviso, Italy, has been focusing on revitalizing its global operations by blending creativity with operational agility. Upadhye’s appointment aligns with this global strategy, aimed at reinvigorating brand relevance and driving profitable growth in key markets.
His experience in managing diverse consumer categories — from sportswear to lifestyle fashion — is expected to help Benetton India balance its rich legacy with the fast-changing expectations of digital-native customers.
As Benetton prepares to expand its footprint in India’s competitive fashion landscape, Upadhye’s return represents both continuity and renewal. His familiarity with Benetton’s internal culture, coupled with his external market experience, is seen as a strategic advantage in steering the brand through its next growth phase.
With Nikhil Upadhye at the helm, Benetton India is poised to reinforce its position as a vibrant, inclusive, and forward-looking fashion brand — one that continues to blend Italian craftsmanship with Indian creativity.
