Tag: Thomas Stopper

  • Hansgrohe taps Abdulkader Bengali to make a splash in India growth plans

    Hansgrohe taps Abdulkader Bengali to make a splash in India growth plans

    MUMBAI: Hansgrohe is turning on the growth taps in India and Abdulkader Bengali is the man holding the handle. The premium German bathroom and kitchen solutions giant has appointed Bengali as managing director for India operations, effective 18 August 2025, signalling a fresh push in one of the world’s fastest-growing bath fittings markets.

    Bengali brings over 26 years of leadership experience across construction and building materials, with a flair for business turnarounds. At Sintex BAPL, he spearheaded the Water Management Solutions division, while at ALP Aeroflex he engineered a full-fledged transformation as COO. His earlier stint leading Owens Corning’s India and SAARC operations adds global heft. A gold medallist engineer from NIT Surat and an Executive MBA from SP Jain, Bengali has built a career turning underperformers into high-growth stories.

    The timing is no accident. India’s bath fittings market is pegged at 11.49 billion dollars in 2025, and set to surge to 16.67 billion dollars by 2030 at a 7.74 per cent CAGR. The luxury segment alone, worth 5.27 billion dollars in 2024, is forecast to nearly double to 10.93 billion dollars by 2032 with a robust 9.5 per cent CAGR. Hansgrohe, founded in 1901 in Germany and now present in over 190 countries, sees India as a key strategic play.

    “Bengali’s track record in transforming businesses makes him the ideal leader,” said Hansgrohe Group vice president Asia Thomas Stopper. With expertise in P&L management, sales excellence, and operational optimisation, Bengali is expected to scale Hansgrohe’s Indian footprint, bringing its famed Black Forest design and sustainable water technologies to a wider base of consumers.

    From Black Forest to Bengaluru, Hansgrohe’s bet is clear: India’s rising disposable incomes and urban aspirations make it the perfect market to flow into the future.
     

  • Gaurav Malhotra steps down as MD of Hansgrohe India

    Gaurav Malhotra steps down as MD of Hansgrohe India

    Mumbai: Hansgrohe India has announced that Gaurav Malhotra has stepped down from his role as managing director, effective 30 September. Since his appointment in 2017, Gaurav has been a pivotal leader, driving significant growth and innovation in the organization. After a successful nearly eight-year tenure at Hansgrohe India he has chosen to take a personal sabbatical. Following his departure, vice president Asia – Thomas Stopper will take over Gaurav’s responsibilities on an interim basis to ensure a seamless transition and continued momentum for India operations.

    During his tenure, Gaurav Malhotra spearheaded key initiatives that solidified Hansgrohe India’s position as a leader in the Indian bathroom industry and fostered strategic partnerships in the real estate and hospitality sectors.

    Currently, Thomas has been with Hansgrohe Group for 15 years, during which he has held various key positions. Known for his strategic thinking and execution-oriented mindset, Thomas is a passionate leader who excels at bridging cultures and connecting headquarters with local markets. He is committed to maintaining the momentum established by Gaurav Malhotra and has a clear vision for driving innovation and growth at Hansgrohe India.

    “We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Gaurav for his invaluable contributions to Hansgrohe India and wish him the very best in his future endeavours,” stated Hansgrohe Group’s VP Asia, Thomas Stopper. “His leadership has been instrumental in driving our success and enhancing our brand’s reputation in the Indian market. We look forward to following his journey and are excited to see the great things he will accomplish in the future.”

    As Hansgrohe India transitions into this new phase, the company remains dedicated to enhancing its market presence and delivering innovative solutions that redefine bathroom spaces across the country.