Asian Paints Appoints Leo Puri as Chairman from January 2027

Asian Paints has appointed financial services veteran Leo Puri as its next Chairman, with his tenure set to begin on January 23, 2027. He will succeed R. Seshasayee, whose term as Chairman ends on January 22, 2027.

Puri has also joined the Asian Paints board as an Additional Independent Director for a five-year term beginning September 7, 2026, subject to shareholder approval.

With nearly four decades of experience across financial services, consulting, private equity and corporate governance, Puri brings extensive leadership experience to the role. He has previously served as Chairman for South and Southeast Asia at JPMorgan Chase, Managing Director and CEO of UTI Asset Management Company, Managing Director and General Partner at Warburg Pincus India, and Senior Partner at McKinsey & Company.

His boardroom experience spans several leading companies. Puri has served as an independent director at Infosys and Hindustan Unilever, as well as a director at Tata Sons. He currently serves as India Advisory Chair at Apax Partners, Chairman of Fortis Healthcare, Lead Independent Director at Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories and Independent Director at Amadeus IT Group.

His appointment comes at an important juncture for Asian Paints. The Indian paints industry has become increasingly competitive following the entry of major players such as Birla Opus and JSW Group, putting greater pressure on established companies to defend market share while maintaining profitability.

The industry is also navigating fluctuations in crude-linked input costs, currency movements, and broader geopolitical uncertainties. At the same time, housing, infrastructure, and automotive demand continue to provide opportunities for growth.

Puri’s expertise in strategy, financial markets and governance is expected to complement the operational leadership of Managing Director and CEO Amit Syngle as Asian Paints works to strengthen its position and navigate the evolving competitive landscape.

The leadership transition marks another chapter in Asian Paints’ governance journey, with Puri set to bring a broad corporate perspective as the company enters its next phase of growth.