Tag: Manish Kapoor

  • Marks & Spencer India appoints Manish Kapoor as new managing director

    Marks & Spencer India appoints Manish Kapoor as new managing director

    MUMBAI: Marks & Spencer India has appointed Manish Kapoor as its new managing director, the company announced on 25 February.

    Kapoor joins M&S from Pepe Jeans London, where he has served as managing director and CEO since January 2022. His appointment is expected to strengthen the British retailer’s market presence in India and drive sustainable growth.

    With nearly two decades of experience in the retail and fashion industry, Kapoor brings extensive expertise in business expansion and digital innovation to his new role. His experience aligns with M&S’s international strategy focused on customer engagement and operational efficiency.

    Prior to his leadership at Pepe Jeans, Kapoor held several senior positions within the company, including chief executive officer (2019-2021), chief business officer (2019), and sales director (2017-2019), where he managed 200 stores, over 170 shop-in-shops and more than 800 sales points.

    His previous experience includes serving as COO for French Connection at Brand Marketing India and various leadership roles at Benetton Group, where he was responsible for operations across Southeast Asia and Australia. Earlier in his career, Kapoor worked as retail manager at Madura Garments and briefly as store merchandiser at Pantaloon Retail India Ltd.

    The appointment comes as Marks and Spencer continues to strengthen its presence in the Indian market, with Kapoor expected to play a pivotal role in the retailer’s expansion strategy. 

  • Pebble X Pepe Jeans Smartwatch: The iconic denim re-imagined for your wrist

    Pebble X Pepe Jeans Smartwatch: The iconic denim re-imagined for your wrist

    Mumbai: In a quintessential unison of the finest in fashion and the best in technology, India’s fastest growing smartwatch brand Pebble has partnered with Pepe Jeans London to introduce a limited special edition Bluetooth Calling smartwatch. The Pebble X Pepe smartwatch re-imagines the timeless allure of denim for your wrist. An epitome of design and style, the smartwatch dons denim-leather straps and silicon sporty straps with an eye-catching infinite 1.39” HD display and 600 Nits brightness. Priced at Rs 1999, Pebble X Pepe Jeans smartwatch is available on pebblecart.com, pepejeans.in as well as Flipkart & Myntra. It is also available at exclusive Pepe Jeans stores across the country.

    “The association with Pepe Jeans is a landmark one from Pebble’s as well as our consumers’ perspective. It is time we don our fashion & style statement everyday on our wrist while leveraging cutting-edge wearable technology to enhance our lives. It is our innovation designed to suit your style and redefine seamless connectivity,” said Pebble co-founder Komal Agarwal on the launch.

    Speaking about the brand’s latest move, Mensa Brands founder & CEO Ananth Narayanan said, “This new partnership yet again manifests Pebble’s unfazed commitment to meeting the needs as well as aspirations of young Indians. Innovation is the key driving our relentless endeavour to bring the best of wearable technology on everyone’s wrists. We are proud of the association with an iconic denim brand like Pepe Jeans.”

    Adding to the sentiments, Pepe Jeans London MD & CEO Manish Kapoor said, “Pepe Jeans has always been synonymous with denim & lifestyle fashion. With smartwatches swiftly becoming an indispensable part of our fashion & lifestyle statements, we joined forces with Pebble to offer the best to our evolving Indian consumer base. This is an iconic partnership of fashion and technology.”

  • Pepe Jeans partners with GoKwik for COD expansion in India

    Pepe Jeans partners with GoKwik for COD expansion in India

    Mumbai: Pepe Jeans London, the iconic denim brand celebrated for its modern and stylish fashion selections, has formed a strategic partnership with GoKwik, a prominent eCommerce platform. Together, they aim to enhance Pepe Jeans’ online presence in India by extending Cash-on-Delivery (COD) services securely and embarking upon the issue of Return to Origin (RTO) rates. Utilizing GoKwik’s extensive network intelligence with over 100 million shoppers, Pepe Jeans aims to diminish non-deliverable COD orders and fortify its position in the ever-evolving digital commerce landscape.

    GoKwik is set to assist Pepe Jeans London in expanding its digital presence by extending Cash-on-Delivery (COD) services to a broader range of postal codes. This expansion will harness GoKwik’s network-driven intelligence to curtail the incidence of Return to Origin (RTO). RTO occurs when COD orders are annulled during transit, leading to increased logistical expenses, inventory blockages, and potential product damage, all of which can impact the brand’s overall profitability.

    Speaking on the partnership Pepe Jeans India CEO & MD Manish Kapoor said, “The Indian eCommerce sector holds significant promise and displays substantial potential in the years ahead. Cash on delivery is a distinct preference for the majority of Indian consumers, and this preference brings with it the intricate issue of RTO.” He further explained, “Our collaboration with GoKwik will further expand our ability to offer Cash-on-Delivery services in remote regions of India. Utilising their advanced intelligence solutions, we aspire to broaden our presence among various consumer demographics, ultimately enhancing our Gross Merchandise Value (GMV) and mitigating the challenges linked with COD orders.”

    Cash-on-Delivery (COD) enjoys widespread popularity in India and is a crucial payment method for ensuring long-term business expansion. Nevertheless, a significant challenge arises, as more than 30 per cent of COD orders are returned to the warehouse during shipment, resulting in profit leakage for brands. In certain scenarios, such as for Direct-to-Consumer (D2C) brands, this return rate can skyrocket to as high as 60 per cent, with the fashion category being the most affected.

    GoKwik is renowned for its comprehensive data-backed intelligence solutions that analyse shopper behaviour patterns across 200 parameters. It then ranks shoppers under different risk buckets based on their probability of returning orders before delivery, and then places controlled interventions to safely expand COD serviceability while keeping a check on the RTO rate. Through these unique solutions, GoKwik has helped several brands save over Rs 130 Cr of RTO losses.

    “We are constantly committed to building solutions that help eCommerce brands grow at a high speed yet sustainable pace,” stated GoKwik co-founder & CEO Chirag Taneja. “Pepe Jeans have a legacy that is now continuing in the digital space. Through our data-backed intelligence, we aim to unlock their COD GMV by deepening their COD penetration while also minimising their return losses. Look forward to seeing them grow at a phenomenal rate with us” Chirag continued.

    The collaboration between Pepe Jeans and GoKwik underlines their joint dedication to utilizing technological advancements and their deep industry knowledge to push the boundaries of online retail. Their mission is to address the requirements of Indian shoppers and establish a smooth, hassle-free shopping experience for fashion enthusiasts throughout the country.

  • Pepe Jeans London introduces AW23 brand campaign: ‘I Love London

    Pepe Jeans London introduces AW23 brand campaign: ‘I Love London

    Mumbai: Pepe Jeans London celebrates its remarkable 50-year journey amidst the enchanting narrative of “I LOVE LONDON.” This denim lifestyle brand, born in the heart of London, proudly unveils its AW23 campaign as a heartfelt homage to its enduring London heritage.

    Set against the backdrop of London’s iconic landmarks, this campaign endeavours to encapsulate the timeless essence of the city by seamlessly blending modernity with classic charm. In a pioneering move, the campaign introduces an internationally renowned model of Indian origin, strengthening its connection with the Indian audience.

    The campaign serves as a captivating window into the latest offerings from the collection, showcasing a curated selection of iconic denim pieces, each meticulously crafted from premium fabrics. In addition, it features an array of fashion-forward elements, including a colour-blocked hoodie, a double flap pockets shacket, a hooded parka jacket, yarn-dyed check shirts, and avant-garde styling that resonates with the contemporary spirit.

    Pepe Jeans India CEO & MD Manish Kapoor shared his thoughts on the collection, stating, “This campaign embodies the essence of Pepe Jeans London, where timeless fashion harmonises with the dynamic beat of London. We are thrilled to introduce our AW23 collection, a fusion of classic denim and modern style that appeals to fashion enthusiasts from all walks of life.”

    Our AW23 collection has something special in store for Indian consumers, as it artfully combines the iconic fashion legacy of London with the vibrant and diverse fashion landscape of India. From premium denim pieces to trendy streetwear, our collection caters to a wide range of tastes and celebrates the dynamic style sensibilities that define fashion enthusiasts in India.

    The AW23 collection is now available at all our exclusive stores, leading departmental stores, multi-brand outlets, top e-commerce partners, and on our website.

  • Manish Kapoor named as Pepe Jeans India MD & CEO

    Manish Kapoor named as Pepe Jeans India MD & CEO

    Mumbai: Denim retailer Pepe Jeans London has promoted Manish Kapoor as managing director in continuation of his current role of chief executive officer, India. 

    According to a statement, India is one of the most crucial markets for Pepe Jeans and Kapoor will be instrumental in growing the existing businesses aligned with the broader global strategy.

    Kapoor joined Pepe Jeans India in 2014 and was promoted to the role of sales director within a span of two years. Owing to his strategic contribution towards the growth of the brand in the Indian market, he was elevated to chief business officer in April 2019 and subsequently appointed as CEO in September 2019.  

    “Under Kapoor’s leadership, Pepe Jeans India strengthened its balance sheet position by strategic reduction of inventory and debtors along with substantial reduction of debt. His effective leadership has enabled the company to successfully generate free operating cash during this difficult period,” said the brand in a statement. “E-com contribution for the brand accelerated from 8 per cent in 2019 to 28 per cent this fiscal year, reflecting the benefit of leveraging omnichannel initiatives,” it added.

    In 2021, Kapoor was recognised as The Economic Times Inspiring CEO for his efforts in helping steer Pepe Jeans to great heights even during unprecedented times of the Covid 19 aftermath. In the same year, he was also acknowledged for his efforts towards sustaining a high-trust high-performance culture by Great Place to Work – India’s best Leaders in Times of Crisis 2021.

    “I am delighted to lead Pepe Jeans India into the next phase of growth and continue on the digital and consumer-focused transformation journey that we started 18 months ago,” said Manish Kapoor on his appointment.

    Kapoor is a strategist and implementer with demonstrated abilities in accomplishing business growth on a consistent basis. He has previously held key leadership roles in brands such as French Connection, Sisley, Benetton India, Pantaloons and Madura Garments to name a few.

    He acquired a B-tech degree from the Technological Institute of Textiles and Science in 2000 and further continued to pursue a diploma degree in apparel marketing and merchandising management from NIFT in 2002. He was awarded the gold medal for academic excellence at NIFT and was an all-India topper in his PGDAMMM course across all NIFT centers.

  • HOOQ appoints Manish Kapoor as Brand Head, India Operations

    HOOQ appoints Manish Kapoor as Brand Head, India Operations

    MUMBAI HOOQ has appointed Manish Kapoor as the Brand Lead of its India operations. As the Brand Lead Kapoor will further push the company’s goals of getting India HOOQ’d by revolutionizing video-on-demand service landscape in India.

    HOOQ — a joint venture by Singtel, Sony Pictures Television and Warner Bros — will be leveraging Kapoor’s vast experience spanning over 15 years to drive the growth of the brand as a leading over-the-top video service in the region.

    Commenting on his new role, Kapoor said, “I am extremely excited be associated with HOOQ and lead its Brand Narrative in India . Over the Top is a very interesting Industry to be in and in my new role I look forward to creating exclusive brand experiences that will fuel the subscriber growth of HOOQ in the coming years”

    HOOQ India MD Salil Kapoor also added, “We’ve been scouring the country for the right person for this role. I’m delighted and extremely thrilled to have Kapoor on –board at HOOQ India. He is one of the most seasoned brand and marketing professionals. Kapoor brings with him a deep understanding of the Indian demographics that will help us co-create some interesting campaigns for our growing customer base at HOOQ. “

    Prior to HOOQ, Kapoor had worked with Havells India handling the entire group’s portfolio for 17 categories across three brands. He was also associated with JWT where he worked as the Associate Vice president and drove multiple brand portfolios such as Lay’s , Mountain Dew, Kurkure , Cheetos, Uncle Chipps, Timex , Central Parc, jeevansaathi.com, naukri.com , 99acres.com and Hero Motors.

  • HOOQ appoints Manish Kapoor as Brand Head, India Operations

    HOOQ appoints Manish Kapoor as Brand Head, India Operations

    MUMBAI HOOQ has appointed Manish Kapoor as the Brand Lead of its India operations. As the Brand Lead Kapoor will further push the company’s goals of getting India HOOQ’d by revolutionizing video-on-demand service landscape in India.

    HOOQ — a joint venture by Singtel, Sony Pictures Television and Warner Bros — will be leveraging Kapoor’s vast experience spanning over 15 years to drive the growth of the brand as a leading over-the-top video service in the region.

    Commenting on his new role, Kapoor said, “I am extremely excited be associated with HOOQ and lead its Brand Narrative in India . Over the Top is a very interesting Industry to be in and in my new role I look forward to creating exclusive brand experiences that will fuel the subscriber growth of HOOQ in the coming years”

    HOOQ India MD Salil Kapoor also added, “We’ve been scouring the country for the right person for this role. I’m delighted and extremely thrilled to have Kapoor on –board at HOOQ India. He is one of the most seasoned brand and marketing professionals. Kapoor brings with him a deep understanding of the Indian demographics that will help us co-create some interesting campaigns for our growing customer base at HOOQ. “

    Prior to HOOQ, Kapoor had worked with Havells India handling the entire group’s portfolio for 17 categories across three brands. He was also associated with JWT where he worked as the Associate Vice president and drove multiple brand portfolios such as Lay’s , Mountain Dew, Kurkure , Cheetos, Uncle Chipps, Timex , Central Parc, jeevansaathi.com, naukri.com , 99acres.com and Hero Motors.