DE BEERS APPOINTS MALLIKARJUNA REDDY YARABOLU AS MANAGING DIRECTOR OF FOREVERMARK INDIA

De Beers Group has named retail veteran Mallikarjuna Reddy Yarabolu as Managing Director of Forevermark India, effective January 2026. With over 20 years of experience across fashion, retail and luxury, Yarabolu is expected to drive growth and deepen Forevermark’s presence in the evolving Indian jewellery market.  

De Beers Group has announced the appointment of Mallikarjuna Reddy Yarabolu as Managing Director for Forevermark India, effective January 2026, marking a significant leadership transition for the luxury diamond brand in one of its most strategically important markets. The move signals De Beers’ intent to sharpen Forevermark’s growth trajectory in India, a country where demand for natural diamonds continues to deepen alongside evolving consumer preferences, rising disposable incomes, and a growing appetite for global luxury brands with strong provenance.

Yarabolu brings with him more than two decades of leadership experience across fashion, retail, FMCG and luxury, a profile that aligns closely with Forevermark’s ambitions in India. Over the years, he has built a reputation for steering businesses through phases of rapid expansion, portfolio transformation and consumer-centric reinvention. His most recent role as Chief Revenue Officer at Arvind Fashions Limited placed him at the helm of revenue growth strategies across a diverse brand portfolio, spanning both Indian and international labels. During his tenure, he was instrumental in strengthening omnichannel capabilities, enhancing retail productivity, and aligning brand narratives with the aspirations of a younger, more digitally engaged consumer base.

Forevermark India, part of the De Beers Group, occupies a distinct position in the country’s jewellery landscape. Unlike traditional jewellery brands that focus largely on design or price-led propositions, Forevermark has built its identity around the promise of rarity, responsibility and authenticity. Each Forevermark diamond is natural, hand-selected and inscribed with a unique identification number, underscoring De Beers’ long-standing emphasis on ethical sourcing and traceability. In a market like India, where trust plays a central role in jewellery purchases—particularly those linked to milestones such as weddings, anniversaries and family celebrations—this proposition has found increasing resonance over the years.

Yarabolu’s appointment comes at a time when the Indian jewellery market is undergoing a subtle but meaningful shift. While gold continues to dominate culturally and economically, diamonds—especially natural diamonds—are seeing renewed interest among younger consumers who are looking for contemporary expressions of luxury and individuality. There is also a noticeable shift toward branded jewellery, driven by greater awareness, higher quality expectations and a desire for transparency. Forevermark’s challenge, and opportunity, lies in deepening its emotional connection with Indian consumers while expanding its footprint across cities beyond traditional metros.

With his background spanning fashion and FMCG as well as premium retail, Yarabolu is expected to bring a holistic, consumer-first approach to the role. Industry observers note that his experience at Arvind Fashions, where he worked across brands with very different market positions and customer profiles, could prove valuable as Forevermark seeks to balance exclusivity with accessibility. His understanding of retail networks, franchise partnerships and large-scale distribution models is also likely to support Forevermark’s expansion strategy in India, where success often depends on building strong local partnerships while maintaining global brand standards.

At De Beers Group, leadership appointments are often closely tied to long-term strategic priorities rather than short-term market movements. Forevermark, in particular, has been positioned as a bridge between De Beers’ heritage as the world’s leading diamond company and the modern consumer’s expectations around sustainability, storytelling and design. In recent years, the brand has invested in refreshed retail concepts, collaborative collections and marketing narratives that place the diamond at the centre of personal expression rather than purely traditional symbolism. Yarabolu’s mandate is expected to build on this foundation, with a sharper focus on scale, relevance and cultural nuance.

India’s luxury market, though still relatively small compared to Western economies, is among the fastest-growing globally. The rise of affluent millennials and Gen Z consumers has altered how luxury brands communicate, sell and engage. Digital discovery, social media influence and experiential retail have become as important as craftsmanship and heritage. Yarabolu’s career reflects a familiarity with these dynamics, particularly in navigating the convergence of online and offline retail. His leadership is likely to strengthen Forevermark India’s omnichannel presence, ensuring consistency across brand touchpoints while leveraging data and insights to better understand consumer behaviour.

The timing of the appointment also reflects broader changes within the global diamond industry. Natural diamonds are increasingly being positioned not just as luxury products but as symbols of enduring value, emotional permanence and responsible practices. De Beers has been vocal about reinforcing the distinction between natural and lab-grown diamonds, and Forevermark plays a key role in articulating that narrative at the consumer level. In India, where education and awareness still shape purchasing decisions, the Managing Director’s role involves not just commercial growth but also category-building and advocacy.

Yarabolu’s leadership style, described by peers as collaborative and execution-focused, is expected to resonate within Forevermark India’s teams and partner network. Managing a brand that operates through authorised jewellers requires balancing central brand control with local entrepreneurship, a dynamic that benefits from clear communication and shared vision. His cross-sector experience may also encourage greater experimentation in marketing, store formats and customer engagement, while staying anchored in De Beers’ global principles.

As he prepares to take over the role in January 2026, Yarabolu steps into a position that combines legacy with possibility. Forevermark India has already established itself as a credible, premium player, but the next phase of growth will depend on how effectively it can remain relevant in a crowded, fast-changing market. With his track record in driving revenue growth, building brands and navigating complex retail ecosystems, Yarabolu is widely seen as a strategic choice for De Beers Group.

For the Indian jewellery industry, the appointment underscores the increasing importance of seasoned retail leadership in luxury segments that were once driven primarily by tradition and craftsmanship. As Forevermark enters this new chapter, the focus will be on how it translates global values into locally meaningful experiences, and how Yarabolu’s leadership shapes the brand’s journey in a market that continues to redefine modern luxury on its own terms.