Grasim Industries Limited, a flagship company of the Aditya Birla Group, has announced a significant leadership appointment within its Senior Management team. Effective from 1st October 2024, Mr. Vadiraj Kulkarni will join as the Business Head (Designate) for Cellulosic Fibres, marking a strategic move in the company's ongoing efforts to strengthen its leadership in the fibre industry.

Mr. Vadiraj Kulkarni, who is set to assume this critical role, is a seasoned business leader with over 28 years of extensive experience in Profit & Loss (P&L) management, operations, and manufacturing. His most recent role was with ITC Limited, where he served as the Chief Executive Officer of the Paperboards and Specialty Papers Division. In this capacity, Mr. Kulkarni successfully led a massive ₹8,000 crore business that spanned four plants across India. Under his leadership, the business not only doubled its topline but also significantly improved its margins, positioning ITC as the largest pulp and paperboard company in India.

Grasim Industries has been a leader in the viscose staple fibre industry, and the appointment of Mr. Kulkarni is seen as a strategic move to further bolster its position in the global market. His vast experience, particularly in the Agro products, Tobacco, and Pulp and Paper sectors at ITC, aligns well with Grasim's goals of sustainable growth and market leadership.

As part of this transition, Mr. Harikrishna Agarwal, the current Managing Director of Grasim Industries, will continue to serve as the Business Director of Cellulosic Fibres. He will oversee a phased leadership transition, ensuring a smooth handover of responsibilities to Mr. Kulkarni over the coming months. This approach underscores Grasim’s commitment to seamless transitions within its leadership ranks, aiming for continued business excellence and innovation.

Mr. Kulkarni's academic credentials further strengthen his profile as a top industry leader. He holds a Bachelor of Engineering (Chemical Engineering) degree from the prestigious National Institute of Technology (NIT), Warangal, which he earned in 1996. His technical expertise, combined with his extensive leadership experience, positions him well to drive Grasim's Cellulosic Fibres business to new heights.

Grasim Industries, with its diverse business portfolio, including viscose staple fibre, cement, chemicals, and textiles, is well-positioned to capitalize on Mr. Kulkarni’s appointment. The company is part of the larger Aditya Birla Group, which has a strong presence across various sectors, including metals, cement, telecom, and financial services. This appointment is expected to contribute to Grasim's strategic objectives, particularly in enhancing its market share in the fibre industry and advancing its sustainability initiatives.

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The announcement of Mr. Kulkarni's appointment was made following a board meeting on 27th August 2024, which commenced at 1:00 p.m. and concluded at 1:20 p.m. (IST). This development was communicated to the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) and the National Stock Exchange (NSE), as required under Regulation 30 of the SEBI (Listing Obligations and Disclosure Requirements) Regulations, 2015. The company also shared the news with international stakeholders, including the Luxembourg Stock Exchange and Citibank N.A., emphasizing the global relevance of this leadership change.

In conclusion, the appointment of Mr. Vadiraj Kulkarni as Business Head (Designate) for Cellulosic Fibres at Grasim Industries is a key strategic move that underscores the company’s focus on leadership excellence, innovation, and sustainable growth. As Mr. Kulkarni prepares to take on his new role, the industry will be watching closely to see how his leadership impacts the future trajectory of Grasim’s Cellulosic Fibres business, particularly in a highly competitive global market. The seamless transition plan, coupled with Mr. Kulkarni’s vast experience, signals a promising future for Grasim Industries as it continues to build on its legacy of industry leadership and innovation.

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