RAJESH KUMAR JOINS PEPE JEANS INDIA AS DIRECTOR OF DESIGN 

Pepe Jeans India has appointed Rajesh Kumar, a seasoned design leader from NIFT-Kolkata, as Director of Design. With over 24 years of experience shaping iconic fashion brands, Kumar will spearhead the brand’s creative vision, bringing fresh perspectives and proven expertise in scaling multi-category businesses and building high-performing design teams.  

Pepe Jeans India Limited has announced the appointment of Rajesh Kumar as Director of Design, marking a significant moment in the brand’s journey in the Indian fashion landscape. Kumar, an alumnus of NIFT-Kolkata, brings with him more than two decades of experience in shaping, scaling, and redefining some of the most recognisable fashion and lifestyle brands in the country. His arrival signals a renewed focus on creativity, consumer-led insights, and design excellence at Pepe Jeans, as the brand looks to strengthen its position in a highly competitive market.  

Rajesh Kumar’s career is defined by a rare blend of creative vision and business acumen. Over 24 years, he has consistently demonstrated the ability to translate design thinking into tangible outcomes that resonate with consumers and drive growth. His most notable achievement lies in the successful launch and expansion of U.S. POLO ASSN in India, where he transformed the brand into one of the country’s most widely scaled multi-category businesses. Under his leadership, the brand grew beyond its core apparel offering to include denim, kidswear, innerwear, and footwear, cementing its reputation as a household name.  

Beyond U.S. POLO ASSN, Kumar has played a pivotal role in redefining global brands for the Indian market. His work with DOCKERS and LEE, in collaboration with Ace Turtle, showcased his ability to adapt international legacies to local sensibilities. By aligning design strategies with consumer expectations, he ensured these brands remained relevant and aspirational in a rapidly evolving retail environment. His approach has always been rooted in a deep understanding of consumer behaviour, enabling him to craft narratives that blend heritage with modernity.  

Kumar’s tenure at ZETWERK further highlights his versatility. Leading the “Design to Delivery” (D2D) model, he strengthened the company’s relevance through modern design practices, consumer-led insights, and impactful brand storytelling. His emphasis on building high-performing creative teams has been a consistent hallmark of his career, ensuring that design excellence is not just a vision but a scalable reality. By fostering collaboration and consistency, he has created environments where creativity thrives while delivering measurable business outcomes.  

In his new role at Pepe Jeans India, Kumar will be responsible for shaping the brand’s design vision and execution. His mandate includes fostering a culture of creativity and excellence, ensuring that design remains at the heart of the brand’s growth strategy. As the fashion industry in India becomes increasingly dynamic, with consumers seeking both global trends and local relevance, his leadership is expected to bring fresh perspectives that balance innovation with authenticity.  

Pepe Jeans, with its strong international heritage, has long been associated with youthful energy, denim culture, and contemporary fashion. However, the Indian market presents unique challenges and opportunities, requiring a nuanced approach to design and storytelling. Kumar’s track record of scaling brands across categories and his ability to align creative strategies with business imperatives make him well-positioned to lead this next chapter. His appointment reflects the brand’s commitment to investing in design as a driver of long-term growth and differentiation.  

The announcement has been met with enthusiasm within the industry, as Kumar’s reputation for building impactful brands precedes him. His arrival is expected to energise Pepe Jeans India’s creative direction, bringing a sharper focus on consumer-centric design and storytelling. With fashion increasingly becoming a space where identity, culture, and commerce intersect, his leadership offers the promise of elevating Pepe Jeans beyond apparel into a lifestyle statement that resonates with diverse audiences.  

As Pepe Jeans India embarks on this new phase, the company has extended a warm welcome to Rajesh Kumar, expressing confidence in the fresh perspectives and leadership he will bring. His journey so far has been defined by a commitment to excellence, innovation, and scale, qualities that align seamlessly with the brand’s aspirations. For Kumar, this role represents an opportunity to blend his extensive experience with the creative energy of Pepe Jeans, shaping a future where design continues to inspire and empower.  

With Rajesh Kumar at the helm of design, Pepe Jeans India is poised to strengthen its creative foundations, expand its relevance, and reaffirm its place as a leading force in the country’s fashion industry. The appointment underscores the brand’s belief that design is not merely about aesthetics but about building enduring connections with consumers, driving growth, and leaving a legacy of excellence.