Wipro Consumer Care and Lighting said Kumar Chander, currently president – Southeast Asia and Yardley India, will take over as CEO, effective February 1, 2026, replacing
Vineet Agrawal, managing director of Wipro Enterprises, who will retire in January next year after 40 years with the organization.
Agrawal joined Wipro in 1985 and became CEO of Wipro Consumer Care & Lighting in 2002. Over the past two decades, he has led the transformation of the company into a global FMCG conglomerate. Under his leadership, Wipro Consumer Care completed 15 strategic acquisitions, significantly expanded its global brand portfolio, and grew Santoor into one of India’s top two soap brands.
Azim Premji, Chairman, Wipro Enterprises Pvt. Ltd., said, “Vineet has played a defining role in shaping Wipro Consumer Care & Lighting into a formidable, globally respected business - growing it from Rs300 crore in 2003 to over Rs10,600 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.”
With 33 years at Wipro and a strong track record across India and international markets, Chander 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," added Premzi.
When Vineet took charge in 2003, the business was primarily focused on vanaspati, soap, and lighting within India. Today, it operates in over 60 countries across categories including personal care, home care, skin care, foods, lighting, and seating products.
"Together, we have built a global business rooted in strong systems, disciplined execution, and integrity. I am proud of the foundation we have laid and grateful for the opportunity to lead through a period of significant transformation. Our journey has been shaped by Wipro’s long-term focus and commitment to building with purpose. I have full confidence in Kumar – his distinctive leadership style and global experience will guide Wipro to even greater heights," said Agrawal.
Chander's appointment reflects a careful and considered succession process, the company said. He has been with Wipro Consumer Care for 34 years and has led operations across India, Southeast Asia, and the Middle East. As President – Southeast Asia and Yardley India, he played a key role in integrating Wipro Consumer Care’s international acquisitions and establishing the acquired brands into leadership positions in these geographies.
Beginning October 2025, Kumar will work closely with Vineet to ensure a smooth leadership transition. He will be based at the Wipro Enterprises headquarters in Bengaluru.
Vineet Agrawal, managing director of Wipro Enterprises, who will retire in January next year after 40 years with the organization.
Agrawal joined Wipro in 1985 and became CEO of Wipro Consumer Care & Lighting in 2002. Over the past two decades, he has led the transformation of the company into a global FMCG conglomerate. Under his leadership, Wipro Consumer Care completed 15 strategic acquisitions, significantly expanded its global brand portfolio, and grew Santoor into one of India’s top two soap brands.
Azim Premji, Chairman, Wipro Enterprises Pvt. Ltd., said, “Vineet has played a defining role in shaping Wipro Consumer Care & Lighting into a formidable, globally respected business - growing it from Rs300 crore in 2003 to over Rs10,600 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.”
With 33 years at Wipro and a strong track record across India and international markets, Chander 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," added Premzi.
When Vineet took charge in 2003, the business was primarily focused on vanaspati, soap, and lighting within India. Today, it operates in over 60 countries across categories including personal care, home care, skin care, foods, lighting, and seating products.
"Together, we have built a global business rooted in strong systems, disciplined execution, and integrity. I am proud of the foundation we have laid and grateful for the opportunity to lead through a period of significant transformation. Our journey has been shaped by Wipro’s long-term focus and commitment to building with purpose. I have full confidence in Kumar – his distinctive leadership style and global experience will guide Wipro to even greater heights," said Agrawal.
Chander's appointment reflects a careful and considered succession process, the company said. He has been with Wipro Consumer Care for 34 years and has led operations across India, Southeast Asia, and the Middle East. As President – Southeast Asia and Yardley India, he played a key role in integrating Wipro Consumer Care’s international acquisitions and establishing the acquired brands into leadership positions in these geographies.
Beginning October 2025, Kumar will work closely with Vineet to ensure a smooth leadership transition. He will be based at the Wipro Enterprises headquarters in Bengaluru.
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