admin In 2024, the landscape of the manufacturing industry witnessed a transformative shift, driven by leaders who are not only innovative but also deeply connected to the cultural and social fabric of their industries. Among these trailblazers is Rajeshwari Srinivasan, the Chief Executive Officer of FabIndia Ltd., a company synonymous with the celebration of India’s rich artisanal heritage. Rajeshwari’s leadership is steering FabIndia through a period of unprecedented change, ensuring that the company’s time-honoured traditions thrive in a modern, competitive market.
A Leader with a Diverse Background
‘At FabIndia, we blend tradition with innovation, creating sustainable products that resonate with modern consumers while preserving India’s heritage’
– Rajeshwari Srinivasan
Rajeshwari’s journey to the helm of FabIndia is marked by a diverse and extensive career across several industries, making her uniquely equipped to lead a company rooted in tradition but poised for modern growth. With over 30 years of experience, Rajeshwari has held leadership roles in the fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG), retail, luxury, and hospitality sectors. Her tenure with the Tata Group, where she held executive positions at Rallis India, Tata Consumer Products, Indian Hotels Company Limited (IHCL), and most recently Titan Company Ltd., has been particularly instrumental in shaping her strategic vision.
At Titan, Rajeshwari played pivotal roles, including Chief Strategy Officer and Chief Operating Officer at Taneira, Titan’s ethnic wear brand. Her experience at Titan, where she also headed the Fragrances division and led business development in the East, honed her ability to navigate complex markets and develop strategies that resonate with diverse consumer bases. This experience is now invaluable at FabIndia, where understanding and catering to a wide demographic is key to the company’s success.
Maintaining an Edge
Rajeshwari Srinivasan stepped into her role at FabIndia in April 2023, succeeding Viney Singh, who served as the company’s Managing Director and CEO for seven years. Rajeshwari’s appointment came at a critical juncture for FabIndia, which had recently shelved its plans for a ₹4,000 crore initial public offering due to volatile market conditions. Despite this setback, the company remains a stalwart in the retail sector, with a vast network of 309 stores and experience centres, as well as 74 Organic India stores across the country. FabIndia’s mission is clear: to bring the essence of Indian craftsmanship to the global stage while fostering sustainable growth and generating positive impact for all stakeholders.
Bringing a Fresh Perspective to FabIndia
Rajeshwari’s approach to leadership is characterised by a deep respect for tradition coupled with a forward-looking vision. FabIndia, founded in 1960 by John Bissell, has always been more than just a retail brand; it is a movement that champions the artisanal crafts of rural India. Under Rajeshwari’s leadership, the company is set to expand its reach, ensuring that these crafts are not only preserved but also celebrated on a global scale.
One of Rajeshwari’s first initiatives as CEO has been to streamline operations and enhance the customer experience across FabIndia’s extensive retail network. By leveraging her background in strategic planning and market development, she is driving initiatives that focus on sustainable growth and profitability, without compromising on the company’s core values of ethical sourcing and community support. Rajeshwari’s strategic initiatives are aimed at harnessing the transformative power of a well-run business to support FabIndia’s vision of celebrating India’s rich heritage.
A Commitment to Sustainability and Ethical Practices
‘Our mission is to drive profitable growth while uplifting rural communities, ensuring every product reflects the skilled hands behind it’
– Rajeshwari Srinivasan
In an era where sustainability and ethical business practices are no longer just buzzwords but essential components of corporate strategy, Rajeshwari’s leadership is particularly resonant. FabIndia’s business model is inherently sustainable, working closely with nearly 50,000 rural artisans and over 12,000 farmers across India. Rajeshwari is committed to deepening these relationships, ensuring that FabIndia continues to provide not just economic opportunities but also the necessary support in design, quality control, and access to resources.
Under her leadership, FabIndia is expected to expand its Organic India brand, which has already made significant strides in the organic food and wellness market. By aligning the brand’s growth with the increasing global demand for organic and sustainably sourced products, Rajeshwari is positioning FabIndia as a leader in this space. Her strategic vision also includes exploring new avenues for liquidity and growth, following the company’s decision to withdraw its public listing plans.
The Road Ahead
Rajeshwari Srinivasan’s tenure at FabIndia is still in its early stages, but her impact is already being felt across the organisation. Her blend of strategic acumen, deep industry knowledge, and a genuine commitment to the company’s values makes her one of the most innovative leaders in the manufacturing industry today. As FabIndia continues to navigate the complexities of the modern retail landscape, Rajeshwari’s leadership will be instrumental in ensuring that the company not only survives but thrives, carrying forward the legacy of Indian craftsmanship into the future.
In 2024, as one of the 5 Most Innovative Leaders Transforming the Manufacturing Industry, Rajeshwari Srinivasan is not just guiding FabIndia through change; she is redefining what it means to be a leader in an industry deeply rooted in tradition yet ripe with opportunities for innovation.
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