In a historic move, Nippon Paint India has appointed Sharad Malhotra as its new Managing Director, effective December 1, 2025. This appointment makes Malhotra the first Indian national to lead the company’s Indian operations, signifying a new era of localized leadership within one of the world’s top paint manufacturers.
Malhotra, who currently heads the company’s global auto-refinish business, has played a pivotal role in driving innovation and expanding Nippon Paint’s footprint in India and other markets. His leadership has been marked by strong operational performance, a deep understanding of consumer needs, and a commitment to sustainable business practices.
He succeeds Jon Tan, who led the Indian operations during a phase of rapid growth and brand consolidation. Malhotra will now report directly to Wee Siew Kim, Group CEO of Nippon Paint Holdings (NIPSEA Group).
Wee Siew Kim expressed confidence in the new appointment, stating that Sharad’s ability to deliver results and his deep knowledge of the Indian market make him the ideal choice to lead the next phase of growth. Under Malhotra’s leadership, Nippon Paint India aims to strengthen its market presence, expand its R&D initiatives, and introduce more India-specific products.
India continues to be a strategic market for Nippon Paint due to its large population, accelerating infrastructure growth, and rising demand for premium coatings. The company plans to leverage these opportunities by increasing investments in innovation, distribution, and sustainability.
Industry Implications:
Malhotra’s appointment represents a broader trend of multinational companies entrusting Indian professionals with top leadership roles. This reflects both the maturity of the Indian talent pool and the country’s growing significance in global corporate strategies.
For the Indian paints and coatings industry, this move is expected to trigger a wave of competitive strategies as companies focus more on localization, product innovation, and operational efficiency. It also sends a strong signal about India’s evolving position as a manufacturing and innovation hub within the global coatings sector.
Conclusion:
Sharad Malhotra’s leadership is set to steer Nippon Paint India into a new chapter—one that emphasizes local expertise, global standards, and customer-centric growth. His appointment is not just a personal milestone but also a reflection of India’s increasing influence on global corporate leadership dynamics.