Groupe SEB appoints Kapil Agarwal as CEO

Groupe SEB, the France-based small domestic appliances conglomerate, has appointed Kapil Agarwal as the CEO of its India operations.

Groupe SEB India is an Indian subsidiary of French conglomerate Groupe SEB, which is a world reference in small domestic equipment. Groupe SEB is present in 150 countries and has a portfolio of 29 highly renowned brands including Tefal, Moulinex, Krups, Rowenta and Lagostina to name a few. With leadership position is 25 countries, Groupe SEB is known for its innovation and sells around 286 million products annually. Groupe SEB India’s flagship brand is Maharaja Whiteline, while Tefal of global fame was launched here on International Women’s Day last year.  

With over two decades of experience in brand management, strategic marketing, product development, and sales, Mr Agarwal has worked with prestigious Indian as well as global brands.  At Groupe SEB India, the new CEO will primarily focus on accelerating profitable growth, defining and implementing appropriate initiatives to fast track the Groupe’s presence in the country.

On Mr Agarwal’s appointment, Martin ZOUHAR, Director and Chairman- Groupe SEB India and Senior Vice President-Eurasia, said: “India is a high-priority market for Groupe SEB and we have aggressive growth ambitions here as we look to future-proof our business and build a broader product eco-system. The knowledge, expertise and experience that Kapil brings to Groupe SEB India will reinforce our position as a frontrunner in the SDA segment. His strategic planning ability will be integral to our efforts in re-defining our sales, improving workflow and business growth globally.”

Considered one of the top brains in executing P&L responsibilities with much aplomb, Mr Agarwal began his professional journey with the ITC Group. Thereon, he went on to work with Marico and the Essel Group. Prior to joining Groupe SEB India, he was with Whirlpool Corporation and served in various capacities in areas such as business management, sales, category leadership and marketing.

On the new assignment, Mr Agarwal said: “India is a growing market with a wide variety of consumers and their varied expectations. We expect to profitably grow Groupe SEB India’s operation with a Multi-brand portfolio, starting with Tefal and Maharaja Whiteline.”

Mr Kapil Agarwal holds a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering from IIT Bombay and a post-graduate diploma in management from IIM Calcutta.