Mumbai: Denim retailer Pepe Jeans London has promoted Manish Kapoor as managing director in continuation of his current role of chief executive officer, India. 

According to a statement, India is one of the most crucial markets for Pepe Jeans and Kapoor will be instrumental in growing the existing businesses aligned with the broader global strategy.

Kapoor joined Pepe Jeans India in 2014 and was promoted to the role of sales director within a span of two years. Owing to his strategic contribution towards the growth of the brand in the Indian market, he was elevated to chief business officer in April 2019 and subsequently appointed as CEO in September 2019.  

"Under Kapoor's leadership, Pepe Jeans India strengthened its balance sheet position by strategic reduction of inventory and debtors along with substantial reduction of debt. His effective leadership has enabled the company to successfully generate free operating cash during this difficult period," said the brand in a statement. "E-com contribution for the brand accelerated from 8 per cent in 2019 to 28 per cent this fiscal year, reflecting the benefit of leveraging omnichannel initiatives," it added.

In 2021, Kapoor was recognised as The Economic Times Inspiring CEO for his efforts in helping steer Pepe Jeans to great heights even during unprecedented times of the Covid 19 aftermath. In the same year, he was also acknowledged for his efforts towards sustaining a high-trust high-performance culture by Great Place to Work – India’s best Leaders in Times of Crisis 2021.

“I am delighted to lead Pepe Jeans India into the next phase of growth and continue on the digital and consumer-focused transformation journey that we started 18 months ago,” said Manish Kapoor on his appointment.

Kapoor is a strategist and implementer with demonstrated abilities in accomplishing business growth on a consistent basis. He has previously held key leadership roles in brands such as French Connection, Sisley, Benetton India, Pantaloons and Madura Garments to name a few.

He acquired a B-tech degree from the Technological Institute of Textiles and Science in 2000 and further continued to pursue a diploma degree in apparel marketing and merchandising management from NIFT in 2002. He was awarded the gold medal for academic excellence at NIFT and was an all-India topper in his PGDAMMM course across all NIFT centers.