Suraj Bahirwani to become Pantaloons CEO from October 2026

Aditya Birla Fashion and Retail Ltd (ABFRL) has appointed Suraj Bahirwani as CEO designate of Pantaloons, with plans for him to take over as chief executive from October 1, 2026.

The move sets in motion a phased leadership transition at one of the group’s key retail brands, as current CEO Sangeeta Tanwani prepares to step down from the role.

According to a regulatory filing cited by PTI, Bahirwani will assume the position of CEO designate and senior managerial personnel from April 1, 2026, before formally taking charge as CEO later in the year.

Tanwani will continue as CEO of Pantaloons until September 30, 2026, overseeing the transition. She will then move into an advisory role, supporting the managing director on strategic matters until her retirement on January 31, 2027, the filing added.

The company said Tanwani will cease to hold her positions as whole-time director and key managerial personnel upon her retirement.

The leadership reshuffle is part of a broader set of senior management changes at ABFRL. The board has also appointed Marco Agnolin as CEO of OWND!, while naming Nikhil Modha as CFO designate, with his transition to the top finance role scheduled for January 2027. Current CFO Jagdish Bajaj will remain in position until the end of 2026 to ensure a smooth handover.

Pantaloons is a key format within ABFRL’s portfolio, which spans multiple fashion and retail brands across segments. The company has been focusing on strengthening leadership depth as it navigates evolving consumer demand and intensifying competition in India’s organised retail sector.

The structured transition signals continuity in leadership while preparing the next line of executives, as ABFRL positions its brands for the next phase of growth.