Grasim Industries has named Sachin Sahay as the new CEO of its decorative paints business, Birla Opus Paints, effective February 16, 2026. The appointment comes at a critical juncture as the company looks to strengthen its presence in India’s fiercely competitive paints market.
Sahay, a seasoned professional with over 30 years of experience, joins Grasim from ITC Ltd, where he led sales and marketing initiatives, expanded distribution networks, and drove strategic growth in the fast-moving consumer goods sector. His expertise is expected to help Birla Opus scale operations, enhance brand reach, and compete with established players like Asian Paints.
He takes over from Rakshit Hargave, who recently left the company to join Britannia Industries as CEO. Since its launch in February 2024, Birla Opus Paints has invested heavily in manufacturing capacity and aggressive market strategies to capture share from rivals, quickly establishing itself as a challenger in the decorative paints segment.
The market responded positively to the news, with Grasim shares rising modestly, signaling investor confidence in the new leadership. Analysts say Sahay’s appointment could be pivotal in shaping the company’s next phase of growth, particularly as it seeks to expand distribution in urban and rural markets and consolidate its brand identity.
Industry watchers will be closely monitoring how Sahay’s experience and strategic vision influence Birla Opus’s growth trajectory in an increasingly crowded and competitive paints industry.
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