Mr. Bijou Kurien is a highly regarded consumer leader with more than 40 years of experience in developing brands, businesses, and establishing organizations. He has worked with prominent brands in the fast-moving consumer products, consumer durables, and retail sectors in India. Upon completing his PGDBM at XLRI Jamshedpur, he began his career at Hindustan Unilever as a Management Trainee in 1981. Throughout his accomplished tenure of more than six years, he held multiple positions in sales and marketing.

Subsequently, he transitioned to Titan, the largest manufacturer and marketer of watches and jewellery in India. He contributed to the start-up team, assisting in the creation of some of India’s most sought-after lifestyle and accessories brands, and played a key role in building the largest exclusive brand retail chains. During his 19 years at Titan, he contributed significantly to the company’s success and established the groundwork for India’s most valued consumer lifestyle brands.

Motivated by the chance to establish a new standard in Indian retail, he took on the role of President & CEO at Reliance Industries for their bold Retail initiative — Reliance Retail. He played a key role in its establishment and development from 2006 to 2014. Currently, Reliance Retail stands as a leader in Indian retailing and ranks among the fastest growing retailers globally.

He has transitioned from operational roles to advisory positions within private equity firms and their investee companies. He is presently a member of the Strategic Advisory Board of Premji Invest and KKR, helping companies like Lenskart, Lighthouse Learning, GIVA, and others to evolve into unicorns and beyond. He serves as the Chairman of the Retailers Association of India (RAI), reflecting his extensive involvement in the growth of retail in India. He has been linked to the World Retail Congress (WRC) since it was established in 2007. Alongside these positions, he holds the role of Independent Director on the Boards of various listed and unlisted companies across the technology, infrastructure, hospitality, and education sectors.

Click here for Other Directorships and full-time positions in Body Corporates.