MUMBAI: When you’ve built India’s top audio wearables brand from scratch, knowing when to step aside takes nerve. Aman Gupta and Sameer Mehta, co-founders of boAt, are doing just that.
Imagine Marketing Ltd owner of the boAt brand, announced on Monday that Gaurav Nayyar will take over as chief executive, marking a shift from founder-led management to professional leadership. Nayyar, who has served as chief operating officer for three years, brings two decades of strategic nous, including an eight-year stint as partner at Bain & Co.
The reshuffle sees Mehta move to executive director, where he’ll focus on long-term strategy whilst supporting Nayyar’s transition. Gupta, who built boAt’s marketing firepower and brand swagger as chief marketing officer, will remain a non-executive director, keeping a hand on the tiller without running the ship.
“This transition reflects the natural evolution of boAt as we further professionalise and position ourselves for the opportunities ahead,” said Mehta, who led the company as chief executive through recent years of expansion into manufacturing and adjacent product categories.
Nayyar, inheriting a company that dominates India’s audio wearables market (number one by shipments, according to IDC data), struck a modest note: “I am honoured to be entrusted with the responsibility of leading boAt into its next chapter. Sameer has done an exceptional job strengthening our core, building product adjacencies and setting up our India manufacturing footprint.”
Gupta, whose marketing chops helped boAt disrupt India’s audio industry with boldly designed, affordably priced gear aimed at young consumers, said: “I’m proud of what we have accomplished together and equally excited to see Gaurav take the helm.”
boAt’s portfolio spans audio gear, smartwatches, grooming gadgets and mobile accessories. Backed by Warburg Pincus, Malabar Investments and Fireside Ventures, the company partners with Qualcomm and Dolby on product innovation and operates offices in Delhi, Mumbai and Bengaluru.
The move signals boAt’s bet on professional management to capitalise on India’s booming consumer technology market—a multi-decade opportunity that requires institutional muscle, not just founder flair.









