Nippon Paint India has announced the appointment of Sharad Malhotra as its new Managing Director, effective December 1, 2025. Malhotra, a seasoned professional with over 15 years of experience in the industry, will succeed Jon Tan and report to Wee Siew Kim, Group CEO of the NIPSEA Group.
Malhotra’s appointment marks a significant milestone for Nippon Paint India, as he becomes the first Indian to hold the position. His extensive experience in the automotive refinish, wood coatings, and light industrial coatings businesses has been instrumental in driving the company’s growth in India.
“We are delighted to appoint Sharad Malhotra to this pivotal leadership role,” said Wee Siew Kim, Co-President of Nippon Paint Holdings and Group CEO, NIPSEA Group. “Sharad has successfully led and charted a strong growth path for our auto refinish business globally, while being based in India. His proven ability to deliver results, deep understanding of our business, and commitment to excellence make him ideally suited to lead our India operations through the next phase of growth.”
Malhotra expressed his enthusiasm for the new role, stating, “It is an immense honour to lead Nippon Paint India at this transformative and pivotal moment. The Indian market presents unique opportunities and challenges, and I look forward to expanding possibilities for our business, building on our strengths, and supporting our customers and partners as we move forward.”
As Managing Director, Malhotra will drive the overall strategy and direction of Nippon Paint India, focusing on sustainable growth across all segments of the paint market. He will also continue to spearhead Nippon Paint’s global foray into the automotive aftermarket business, a category he has led since its inception.
Nippon Paint India’s decision to appoint Malhotra as Managing Director reflects its commitment to strengthening its presence in the Indian market, which is driven by a large, youthful population, rapid economic growth, and vast consumer base.
