Former Zara India head Sanjay Rao joins GUESS Europe

Sanjay Rao, the former managing director of Inditex India, has joined the European arm of US-based lifestyle brand GUESS, said sources in the know.

Inditex is the parent of fast fashion chain Zara, Massimo Dutti and others. In India, it has separate joint-ventures with Tata-owned Trent for Zara and Massimo Dutti.

Rao, an Inditex veteran, is expected to take over for GUESS as one of the country heads in Europe.

When contacted, Rao confirmed that he has joined GUESS Europe.

"After a successful career of more than a decade with Inditex, I resigned in February to take up an exciting international role offered by GUESS. Before I moved out of Inditex in mid-March, I ensured a successful transition to Ashis Dash who, an internal promotee, would lead the company," Rao said.

Sources said Victor Herrero Amigo, the current GUESS global CEO who came from Inditex earlier, is restructuring the organisation and a lot of senior executives from Inditex have joined GUESS globally. GUESS has 1,680 stores in 101 countries.

Inditex is facing stiff competition in the country from the likes of H&M, Forever 21 and others. Its Indian arm posted a 17 per cent growth in sales, its lowest since its inception.