Latest news with #leadership transition
Entrepreneur
15-07-2025
- Business
- Entrepreneur
Kumar Chander to Lead Wipro Consumer Care into Its Next Growth Phase
Vineet Agrawal will retire in January 2026 after 40 years at Wipro. Kumar Chander will succeed him as CEO and MD of Wipro Consumer Care and Lighting from February 2026. You're reading Entrepreneur India, an international franchise of Entrepreneur Media. Wipro Consumer Care and Lighting has announced a significant leadership transition, marking the end of an era and the beginning of a new chapter for the company. Vineet Agrawal, who has served as the Chief Executive Officer of Wipro Consumer Care and Lighting and Managing Director of Wipro Enterprises, will retire in January 2026 after dedicating 40 years to the organisation. Taking over the reins will be Kumar Chander, currently the President of Southeast Asia and Yardley India. He will assume the role of CEO and Managing Director of Wipro Consumer Care and Lighting from February 1, 2026. The transition is expected to be seamless, with both leaders working closely from October 2025 to ensure continuity and stability. Vineet joined Wipro in 1985 and became CEO in 2002. Under his leadership, the company transformed from a largely domestic business to a global consumer goods entity. When he took charge in 2003, the company's core operations centered on soap, vanaspati, and lighting within India. Today, Wipro Consumer Care operates in over 60 countries with a portfolio that includes personal care, home care, lighting, seating, skincare, and foods. Vineet Agrawal said, "It has been a privilege to be part of Wipro for 40 years and to lead Consumer Care & Lighting over the last two decades. Together, we have built a global business rooted in strong systems, disciplined execution, and integrity. I have full confidence in Kumar – his distinctive leadership style and global experience will guide Wipro to even greater heights." Azim Premji, Chairman, Wipro Enterprises Pvt Ltd, shared, "Vineet has played a defining role in shaping Wipro Consumer Care & Lighting into a formidable, globally respected business - growing it from INR 300 crore in 2003 to over INR 10,600 crore now, transforming it from a domestic player to a truly international business. He transformed Santoor into a leading Indian brand, led 15 strategic acquisitions, and built a strong platform for innovation and growth. His instinctive understanding of people, culture, and long-term value creation has left a lasting legacy. I thank him for his extraordinary contribution over four decades." "I am pleased to welcome Kumar Chander as the next CEO Wipro Consumer Care & Lighting and MD, Wipro Enterprises. With 33 years at Wipro and a strong track record across India and international markets, he brings sharp strategic insight and executional depth. His role in making us No. 1 in Malaysia's Personal care market and top 3 in several others speaks to his leadership. Kumar's humility, fairness, strategy and business acumen make him exceptionally well-placed to lead us into the next chapter," he added. Kumar Chander has been with Wipro for 34 years. His deep understanding of the business, combined with his experience in international markets, positions him strongly for the role. He has played a pivotal part in making Wipro the leading personal care brand in Malaysia and among the top performers in several other countries. Kumar Chander, on his appointment, said, "It is an honour and privilege to lead Wipro Consumer Care & Lighting at this important moment. Wipro has shaped me both personally and professionally. I am committed to building on the strong foundation laid by Vineet and the many teams across the world who have shaped this remarkable organisation. Together, we will continue to grow with purpose and create meaningful impact across markets."
Free Malaysia Today
12-07-2025
- Politics
- Free Malaysia Today
Good time for Bersatu leadership change, say analysts
The Port Dickson Bersatu division unanimously approved a motion calling for a leadership change that would see Hamzah Zainudin take over from Muhyiddin Yassin at the party's helm. PETALING JAYA : Two analysts say Port Dickson Bersatu's call for a 'planned leadership transition' is timely, as the party gears up for the 16th general election. On Sunday, the division unanimously approved a motion calling for a leadership change that would see Hamzah Zainudin take over from Muhyiddin Yassin at the helm of the party. The division, led by Badrul Hisham Shaharin, proposed that Hamzah, currently the Bersatu deputy president, take over as the party's 'main leader', and for vice-president Radzi Jidin to handle administrative matters. Syaza Shukri. Syaza Shukri of the International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM) said a leadership transition at this juncture would be beneficial, as it would allow Hamzah ample time to plan and strategise for GE16, which is due by February 2028. 'If it happens later, he would just be continuing with Muhyiddin's work rather than coming up with his own plan and strategy,' she told FMT. The Port Dickson Bersatu motion, which did not explicitly call for Hamzah to take over the party presidency, proposed that Muhyiddin be made an adviser and mentor. The division's deputy chief, Akkil Aizat Othman, who tabled the motion, said Bersatu needs to adopt a more aggressive approach in its political engagement and must also reform its disciplinary and communications systems to strengthen internal cohesion and public messaging. He also said the party needed stability and a clearer direction in the lead-up to GE16, adding that it had been 'too slow' in its preparations. Strong leadership needed Syaza said that may be due to Muhyiddin, who does not project the kind of strong leadership Bersatu needs in opposition. 'Hamzah has been doing quite a lot, but we seldom hear from Muhyiddin. 'But more than that, Bersatu as a party still has not figured out its niche and therefore does not have strong grassroots support yet. So it's a combination of both,' she said. In recent months, speculation has mounted over Bersatu's leadership. Certain factions are pushing for Hamzah, who is the opposition leader in the Dewan Rakyat, to take the helm, while others aligned to Azmin Ali have called for continuity under Muhyiddin's presidency. Syaza said that if calls for a leadership change persist, Bersatu may opt to retain Muhyiddin as president to maintain party stability. 'As with almost all parties in Malaysia, they like sticking to the status quo and not challenging the leadership,' she said. Azmi Hassan. Azmi Hassan of Akademi Nusantara also said a leadership transition would be timely, noting that Bersatu needs 'new blood' to remain relevant. 'The party's number one problem is leadership. Although Hamzah is a veteran, he represents the leadership renewal Bersatu needs to move forward,' he said. Bersatu information chief Tun Faisal Ismail Aziz said Muhyiddin still enjoys majority support among the party's grassroots, citing informal feedback received from the party's 202 divisions nationwide. However, the Port Dickson division doubled down on its motion on Wednesday, with Akkil refusing to withdraw the proposal. Asked whether the motion signalled a shift in allegiance, given Badrul's perceived alignment with Azmin, Azmi said it was likely unrelated to internal party factions. 'It's more about needing to replace Muhyiddin,' he said.
