Currently leading brand experience for Zoya, the luxury jewellery brand from Titan Company, Ekta brings over two decades of expertise in visual merchandising and retail strategy. Her career includes a 20-year tenure as Director of Visual Merchandising at Saks Fifth Avenue, New York, where she shaped the retailer's iconic visual identity. Ekta later led production and operations at Atelier Ashiesh Shah, Mumbai, collaborating on high-concept design projects. With a deep understanding of luxury environments and consumer behaviour, Ekta is known for creating immersive retail experiences that fuse storytelling with commercial impact.
An architect by education and a seasoned retail design professional, I bring close to two decades of experience in shaping immersive retail environments for some of the world’s leading fashion brands. My core expertise lies in Fashion Retail, with a portfolio spanning sports fashion, premium formals, and denim wear.
A graduate of the School of Planning and Architecture (SPA), New Delhi, my career began with advertising before evolving into 3D conceptualization, fixture design, manufacturing, and end-to-end retail execution. This journey has enabled me to bridge the gap between creative vision and practical implementation. Currently, I lead the Store Design, Planning, Construction, and Project Management vertical at adidas India, driving the brand’s retail identity and expansion across India and Neighbouring Markets. Previously, I have contributed to the retail transformation of iconic brands like Levi Strauss & Co. and Aditya Birla Fashion & Retail Ltd.
I am passionate about translating brand ideas into scalable, real-world retail experiences—balancing innovation with executional excellence. With a deep understanding of consumer behaviour and in-store dynamics, I focus on delivering designs that are not just aesthetically compelling but also operationally efficient.
Sharjeel Ahmed leads Pazo, the AI-powered visual merchandising execution platform transforming retail operations across 10+ countries. With his computer science background and experience at Microsoft and Adobe, Sharjeel has built Pazo into the industry's most intuitive VM compliance solution.
Under his leadership, Pazo has revolutionized how global brands like Victoria's Secret, Bata, and Jockey execute their visual merchandising strategies—turning subjective store assessments into data-driven insights through advanced AI visual analysis.
Backed by Techstars, Uppekha and METRO Cash & Carry, Pazo's ridiculously easy-to-use platform detects visual compliance issues human eyes miss, ensuring perfect planogram execution while streamlining store operations workflow.
Sharjeel's vision extends beyond VM excellence to creating a comprehensive retail operations ecosystem that brings calm, control, and accountability to frontline retail teams worldwide.
With over two decades of experience in the retail design industry, Tejaswini Beura brings deep expertise and insight into creating engaging and customer-centric retail environments.
Vikram comes with over 18 years of experience into fnb , entertainment and logistics sector. He has been in forefront of brand creation for some iconic consumer brands like KFC, Costa Coffee and Hard Rock cafe.
Akshay Krsna Gupta is an architect and retail strategist with over 20 years of experience leading retail transformation across technology, telecom, mobility, fashion, and consumer goods sectors. His expertise spans strategic design, brand consulting, and execution of scalable, experience-led retail formats across diverse markets. His work focuses on driving behavioural shifts through experience-led environments, embedding sustainability and ethical decision-making into the core of retail strategy. Akshay brings a systems-level view to responsible design—balancing commercial objectives with long-term social and environmental impact. He is known for enabling brands to align their physical environments with broader business and long term value goals. A graduate of NYU’s Schack Institute of Real Estate and the School of Planning and Architecture, New Delhi, Akshay will speak at Instore Asia 2025 on integrating ethical decision-making into responsible and future-ready design practices.
B.S. Nagesh popularly known as BSN is the Non-Executive Chairman of Shoppers Stop Limited. He joined Shopper Stop in 1991 as their first employee as a General Manager to set up the retail business for K. Raheja group. In the last 33 years he has not only grown Shoppers Stop to be a leading department store chain in India but help build the modern retail industry in the country as the first Chairman of Retailers Association of India. He was the finalist for the EY manager of the year award in 19XX. He has won numerous awards and been recognized as the pioneer of modern retail in India. He was inducted into the World retail hall of fame in the year 2008.He was the first Asian to be inducted amongst the who’s who of retail in the world. In 2011 he started a not for profit called TRRAIN which builds pride and respect for the retail employees as well as provides livelihood for Persons with disability and women from marginalized communities. He is a recipient of Helen Keller award as well as nominated as an Ashoka fellow.
Ajay is a retail professional who has over 2 decades of rich experience in shouldering various roles with the Piramyd Retail of Nicholos Piramal Group, Big Bazaar - Future group, Amanora Town Centre and Creaticity Mall, formerly Ishanya Mall (Deepak Fertilizers & Petrochemicals Corp Ltd). He currently leads Marketing at Creaticity, a venture of Deepak Fertilizers & Petrochemicals Corporation Ltd, arguably India’s Largest Home & Interiors destination. His profile covers handling marketing in Fashion & Lifestyle retail, Hypermarkets, Convenience stores and now Home Retailing with various projects been handled from brand launches, to leading marketing management and destination marketing. Ajay works closely with over a hundred national and international brands and collaborates with thinkers from the trade with a firm belief that Indian consumers can be acquired and engaged through Assurance, Transparency and Meaningful knowledge to build brand trust. Ajay has numerous accomplishments to his credit, ranging from launching department stores to convenience stores to hypermarkets to global brands from USA, Italy, France, Germany. He has also written his first fictional novel ‘Walk With me’ in 2022 and won two prestigious awards. He is now completing his second fictional novel that will be released in this financial year. Ajay has also delivered India’s first and only Home & Home+ Conclave, a knowledge initiative encouraged by Creaticity which has held 4 editions so far and now working on the 5th edition. He loves working in a challenging and multi-tasking environment keeping with his varied experience.
John is a Visual implementation & ecommerce styling manager with 25 years of retail experience within the high street & luxury sector. He has operated within the UK, Europe the Middle East & India. He had the pleasure of Working within multiple countries & with such brands as Saks Fifth Avenue, Dolce& Gabbana , Burberry and presently the Danish Brand Vero Moda.
Sundar has been a design entrepreneur in many senses: he has been a project head, principal designer, CEO of a design practice, managing director of a manufacturing company. He was the co-founder and first president of the Association of Designers of India (ADI) and was an invitee member of the first India Design Council. He is an alumnus of the National Institute of Design - and co-founder of Dovetail Furniture (1985 - present) - a furniture and fixtures manufacturing company - and Tessaract Design (1985-2005) - a multidisciplinary design consultancy. He has been involved in the creation and evolution of retail environments both as a designer and as a shopfitting partner. Along with his co-founders, he has been a close witness to the evolution of retail in India since the mid-eighties to the present, period of 4 decades that saw the entry into India of the multinational brands and then the emergence of pan Indian retail brands. While he appreciates the popular notion of design as an aesthetic evolution that goes beyond the functional aspect, he is more grounded to design that is practically feasible and is keenly interested in the translation of a good idea into a sustainable product that makes economic sense.
With close to two decades of experience in the professional lighting industry, Mr. Verma is a seasoned business leader known for driving growth and innovation across domestic and international markets. He has built a reputation as a trusted advisor to top architects, lighting consultants, and enterprise clients, thanks to his deep industry insight and strategic approach. Mr. Verma specializes in future-ready lighting solutions, leveraging emerging technologies to stay ahead of market trends. His dynamic leadership and expertise in account ecosystems have contributed significantly to shaping the lighting landscape in India. A strong advocate of sustainable, impactful design, Mr. Verma brings valuable perspective to discussions on smart lighting, industry innovation, and strategic business growth.
Anuradha is a seasoned retail professional with rich experience across leading brands such as Shoppers Stop, Future Group, Revlon, and IFB Appliances. Over the years, she has led several transformative initiatives—ranging from making retail spaces more inclusive for People with Disabilities to launching engagement programs for senior (Young Elder) shoppers and standardizing retail experiences across channel partners. An alumnus of NIFT Delhi and ISB Hyderabad, she is currently driving the transformation of the retail experience for Sleepwell and Kurlon. Passionate about the evolving role of physical retail, she believes we are at a pivotal moment where investing in spaces that are deeply personal, inclusive, and engaging is key to building lasting connections.
Experienced Retail Store Development & Design Manager with a strong track record in the sportswear and fashion lifestyle sectors. I have had the privilege of working with globally recognized brands such as Under Armour, Ralph Lauren, Ted Baker, Hackett, Fred Perry, Forever 21, Levi’s, among others. Skilled in all aspects of retail store development—from space planning to budget allocations, vendor coordination, repair and maintenance strategies. I bring expertise in project management & construction to design, along with a passion for interior and fashion styling. My approach is grounded in delivering dynamic, aesthetic, customer-centric retail environments that drive brand success.
A Head VM and Customer Experience specialist with over 15 years of international experience, I believe that great retail is about more than beautiful spaces - it’s about creating experiences that make people feel seen, connected, and inspired.
I’ve led creative and commercial strategies for brands across fashion, lifestyle, and toy retail, bringing their stories to life, blending creativity, empathy, and strategic thinking. I delivered projects that combine strong storytelling, visual impact, and measurable business growth, my approach being rooted in the belief that great retail experiences should be empowering, relatable, and truly memorable — spaces that connect brands and people in meaningful ways. Right now I head VM and Customer experience at Hamleys, where I am working on creating strategies that can turn the retails space into a powerful customer experience. I’m truly passionate about mixing creativity and structure, and I love finding smart ways to connect brands with their audiences. For me, the most powerful designs aren’t just impressive — they’re empowering, meaningful, and made with heart.
Gokulnath Subramanian is the Chief Business Officer at William Penn, leading growth and strategic initiatives for India’s premier fine writing and lifestyle brand. With over a decade of expertise in business development, retail strategy, and brand building, he drives transformative results. A dynamic leader, Gokul is passionate about scaling businesses and nurturing high-performing teams.
Prior to joining IRHPL , Kavita was General Manager- Retail and Duty Free of Mumbai International Airport for 15 + years having extensive experience in luxury brands, F&B, advertising as part of her journey. She was part of the core team which set up the new Terminal 2 and expansion of Terminal 1 at Mumbai Airport. She specializes in business growth, innovative strategies and brand partnerships. In her current role , Kavita spearheads expansion of IRHPL businesses across different channels like airports and malls and has conceptualised four new brands for IRHPL. She was instrumental in winning the prestigious master concession tender to develop BKC and T2 airport metro stations in Mumbai this year.
Nuno Rosa is a highly creative and self-driven leader with more than 30 years of international experience as a Visual Merchandiser with work achieved in 5 countries as the U.A.E., Mexico, India, Portugal, and the U.K. in Brands as YOUSTA, TRENDS, Vero Moda, Jack & Jones, Lacoste, MANGO, Hugo Boss among other’s. With a goal-orientated leadership approach and managing 800+Doors and coaching teams of 20+ people, using 4 different languages with integrity pride and commitment, Nuno works with cross-functional departments with clear communication, increasing business visibility and sales performance. With a solid understanding of Brand DNA, Window Display, Visual Brand Presentation and vast commercial awareness and forward-thinking, Nuno forecasts areas of optimisation, space management, design and visual engagement that have brought him 4 prestigious awards for his window concepts. Nuno works with a smile and drives others with care and respect, building relations that will stay for a lifetime…”
Pallavi, Design Head at The Phoenix Mills, crafts unique, human-centric experiences through her expertise in Retail, Hospitality, Offices, residences, and Landscape Design . With a talented team, she orchestrates a symphony of design, graphics, art, lighting, branding, and positioning, pushing boundaries to redefine the built environment and create emotive connections between people and places.
Sahil Tanveer is an Architect, Writer, Thinker, Filmmaker, Educator, AI Expert, and general problem solver with a passion for blending AI and Architectural Research. As the founder of RBDS and RBDS ai Lab, Sahil has contributed literary works like "Delirious Architecture: Midjourney for Architects - Hallucinations and Reality", which explores the intersection of philosophy, technology, and design. Sahil has emerged as a prominent speaker in AI and Architecture. He recently spoke at Qatar University during AI Week and represented RBDSai Lab with a booth showcasing their visual art. His AI documentary, "The Atavism of an Old Ideal: The Centre of Intelligence", which explores the evolving relationship between tradition and technology, was also screened at the International Film Festival of Larissa in Greece.
Sahil has conducted numerous workshops on AI for architects and designers, focusing on integrating AI tools like LLMs, image and video generators, and communication tools. He currently teaches audiences across India, North America, and Canada, helping them navigate this emerging field.
RBDSai Lab pioneers experimental methods integrating AI with architectural vision. Leveraging Midjourney's generative potential, they are becoming sought-after experts in AI-driven design, especially in India and the Middle East.
RBDSai Lab also focuses on ethical AI application, crafting spaces that balance function, emotion, climate consciousness, and cultural narratives. This approach has earned recognition in Parametric Architecture Magazine and sparked interest across various platforms.
Despite accolades, Sahil remains a committed student in AI-assisted design, constantly seeking new knowledge and skills. Early successes fuel RBDSai Lab's ambition to enhance architectural spaces. Sahil and his teams at RBDS and RBDS ai Lab invite collaboration and innovation to explore the potential of this field.
Satveer is a distinguished leader with over 25 years of expertise in engineering and architectural design. He has a proven track record in establishing and scaling business operations for global organizations both in India and internationally.
Since joining Target Corporation 17 years ago, Satveer has been instrumental in building and expanding Target properties department presence in India. He initiated and led the establishment of the Store Design team, significantly contributing to the growth of Target's property portfolio. His leadership extended to areas such as property management, non-retail procurement, and corporate real estate, ensuring alignment with Target's global standards and objectives.
Under his guidance, the team has progressed in delivering high complex end-to-end design solutions for Target stores across the United States. Moreover, Satveer has been pivotal in fostering new capabilities that drive design excellence, particularly in enhancing Target's omnichannel retail experience. His strategic vision and leadership have been key in elevating the team's capabilities and aligning design initiatives with the evolving needs of the business.
I come with over 28 years of experience in managing expansion plans and projects for numerous F&B and Retail brands. I have led expansion programs and project teams for organizations such as Shoppers Stop Ltd., Jubilant Foodworks, Third Wave Coffee, etc., and successfully delivered more than 5 million sq. ft. (over 2000 outlets) in F&B, Retail, and Commercial space. Presently, I run A2D (Attn2Dtl Studio LLP), a consultancy that helps retail and F&B brands set up, organize, and accelerate their retail growth."
Shailja Pant Singh, a seasoned professional with over 17 years of experience in luxury retail experience design, hails from the picturesque city of Nainital, Uttarakhand. Beginning her creative journey at NIFT Bangalore, she graduated in 2008 as a distinguished gold medallist with a particular interest in product design. With an innate inclination for creating captivating and unforgettable encounters, she specialised in visual experience design, focusing primarily on luxury retail experience design. Throughout her illustrious career, Shailja has had the honour of collaborating with prestigious companies such as Tanishq, Zoya, Nirav Modi, Her Story now Aneka , Unsaid , Suuraj Popley , Renu Oberoi and many others. Maintaining an unwavering belief in design's capacity to evoke emotions, tell stories, and build lasting relationships, she approaches each project as a blank canvas, ready to be adorned with a blend of elegance, aesthetics and creativity. Infusing every venture with the key qualities of luxury, authenticity and elegance, Shailja excels in crafting unique retail experiences that mirror a brand's essence and leave an indelible mark.
Akanksha Vohra is a seasoned interior designer and architect, currently serving as the Head of Projects for Popeyes, where she leads end-to-end design and execution for QSR rollouts across diverse geographies. With specialized expertise in Retail and QSR Design Strategy and Global Implementation, she blends creative vision with operational insight to deliver spaces that are both high-impact and high-performance. Her extensive experience with both international and domestic brands has shaped her ability to craft scalable, brand-consistent environments. A strong advocate for synergetic innovation, Akanksha fosters cross-functional collaboration to drive thoughtful, consumer-centric solutions. Passionate about the evolving role of technology in physical spaces, she is also at the forefront of integrating digital-first experiences into the QSR landscape—enhancing convenience, personalization, and engagement while maintaining the core essence of the brand. Akanksha continues to redefine what modern QSR environments can achieve by aligning design with strategy, digital transformation, and customer delight.
Guneet Loves Pets - is his motto and also his email address as well. He is the father of a 4 legged fur ball and 2 year old girl, Its not hard to guess who is his Favorite Child. Professionally he has been associated with the Tata Motors for 7 years in Business development, product marketing and sales ,with Stints in South Africa and Philippines. His passion for Animals drove him towards Pet care and has successfully led the Go To Market for the Global Best Pet Care Brands in India. He is currently building the Offline Channel and Leading the Network Expansion for Supertails, a Digital first , leader in Indian Pet Care Ecosystem. With their Supertails + Pet Healthcare Clinics , Supertails is on a mission to create a new benchmark in Customer Experience & Consumer Care.
Vice President and National Head of Store Experience and Visual Merchandising, Max Fashion India with around 550 stores in the country. With a background in Executive General Management from IIM-K, Design Thinking and Innovation from Welignkar Institute Bangalore, and a Design Graduate of NIFT, Mumbai, Harshendra has acquired a strong foundation in the field of Design & Management for fashion and retail. He worked with the renowned national brand, 'Peter England' under ABFRL in the 2000s. During his tenure, he achieved the highest-ever booking for a style across all Madura Brands in a Trade Show, establishing the brand with an extensive market presence. Furthermore, Harshendra travelled across the country, collaborating closely with industry leaders such as Arvind Mills, Ashima, Vardhman, Banswara, Jaysree Textiles/Linen Club, gaining invaluable insights into the textile and mill sectors. In 2006, he embarked on a new chapter of his career by joining Reliance Retail in its inaugural year, where he successfully launched three menswear brands for Reliance Trends. Progressing within the organization, he assumed roles as a Buyer and Category Manager for Men's Workwear and Partywear Brands Portfolio. Subsequently, Harshendra Maheshwari transitioned to Max Fashion India as the National Head of Visual Merchandising, contributing to the brand's growth over the past eleven years. In this role, he has developed and delivered an omnichannel experience for customers, introducing innovative solutions and technology-driven initiatives to enhance the retail shopping experience. Additionally, he played a pivotal role in the launch of maxfashion.com and the implementation of phygital touchpoints, setting Max apart as a leader in the Indian value fashion retail landscape. In his leisure time, Harshendra indulges in the pleasure of meeting friends, savouring a chilled mug of craft beer, engaging in collecting experiences, and embarking on long drives.
A Real Estate Professional with multi-dimensional skill sets, over 26 years of experience, from esteemed organisations like Virtuous Retail Services Pvt Ltd, K. Raheja Corp, Kshitij Investment Advisory Co. Ltd., Bombay Dyeing and now with Nexus Malls. Having hands-on, Design, Design Feasibility/Audit, Design Management and Execution in various verticals like Architecture, Interiors, Green Buildings and Community initiative programs.
Ajay is a graduate from Delhi College of Engineering and a specialist designer from the National Institute of Design Ahmedabad, with 30 years of professional experience in the Retail industry. He has developed retail platforms for various Indian and international brands such as LG, Samsung, Panasonic, Tata Motors, Maruti Suzuki, Timex Watches, JK Tyres, King Koil, Marlboro, among many others. As the founder and CEO of Firstouch Solutions based in Delhi, he leads a team of over 100 specialists in design and technology, along with an in-house production setup. In the past 10 years, Ajay has focused on innovations in digital experience, securing multiple patents. With his background in physical retail and digital experience design, Ajay now addresses the next phase of retail development – PHYGITAL Experience. Phygital Retail Experience combines physical and digital elements to create new touchpoints in retail. Ajay will explain how this approach is emerging as a new standard in retail, enhancing customer experience, increasing sales, and facilitating the analysis of behavioral trends.
Saritha has over twenty years in practice, having designed and executed several niche residential interiors and commercial projects. As Project Manager with MBH Architects, she joins the 270+ team strength globally in New York, Denver, Mumbai & Bengaluru. MBH collectively has an experience of 3000+ projects across 96 countries in retail, restaurant, mixed-use, housing and workspace. Prior to MBH, she was Deputy General Manager at Oberoi Realty Limited, Mumbai handling the MD’s Luxury villa development spread over 16 acres in Albaugh and Thane Garden City - an ambitious 20 million sq. ft premium residential development with Retail and Commercial Development within a mixed-use land parcel located in the greenest neighbourhood of Thane. She was a professor with NMIMS University, BSSA, Mumbai teaching design, building technology and visualization subjects. She shares the pedagogy of BSSA to help nurture Future Friendly Design Professionals who accept and evolve with ever changing parameters of cultures and technologies, creating sustainable and aesthetic architectural environments. She has enhanced her learning in Conservation and Indian aesthetics and her interests vary from documenting historic pasts to achieving new heights in visualisations in the ever-changing field of digital technology.
With extensive expertise in store design, retail space planning, visual merchandising, and enhancing the retail journey, Arpit has contributed to some of India’s top brands including Reliance, Aditya Birla, Arvind, and Samsung (Cheil). He brings a sharp eye for detail and a strategic mindset to crafting impactful consumer experiences. His specialization lies in blending aesthetics with functionality to craft spaces that resonate with modern retail consumers.
Mr. Suresh Seerna is a distinguished retail leader and the Director of RSB Retail India Ltd., one of the most prominent and expansive retail conglomerates in India. Under his leadership, the group has witnessed remarkable growth, currently operating more than 73 outlets across the country, spanning a massive 20 million square feet of retail space and employing a workforce of over 13,000 professionals.
RSB Retail India Ltd. houses a diverse portfolio of five successful retail brands, catering to a wide range of consumer segments:
• South India Shopping Mall • RS Brothers • Value Zoner Hyper Mart • Kanchipuram Narayani Silks • De Royal
Mr. Seerna's strategic vision and deep understanding of the Indian consumer market have played a pivotal role in transforming RSB Retail into a household name in South India. His expertise lies in large-scale retail management, brand building, and driving operational excellence across multiple formats and locations.
With decades of experience in the industry, Mr. Seerna continues to be a driving force in shaping modern retail in India, championing innovation while staying deeply rooted in traditional values.