BS People: Prakash Nedungadi

Putting the spotlight on the consumer

Prakash Nedungadi (51) joins the Aditya Birla Group at a time when the group is looking to galvanise its consumer-facing businesses. Besides textiles, the group has presence in retail and telecom, all of which have a consumer side to those.

While Nedungadi, who is the head of the consumer insights and brand development team at Aditya Birla Group, chose not to comment on what he would precisely do, he is expected to take stock of the situation and help the group take the leap forward.

As the second most populous country after China, India’s consumption story remains robust despite challenges such as inflation.

Most business houses are beginning to see the potential of having strong consumer-facing  businesses, which is why, apart from the Aditya Birla Group, companies such as Tata and Reliance have already invested in this area.

Under Nedungadi’s stewardship, the Aditya Birla Group is expected to move swiftly, as it looks to play catch-up with others. With over 25 years spent in companies such as Hindustan Unilever and Procter & Gamble, Nedungadi is likely to bring some key insights to the table. This is Nedungadi’s second stint in the group. He earlier was president of the group’s textile company Madura Garments. With an FMCG and textiles background, Nedungadi seems to be the right person for the job.