Renuka Jagtiani: Powerhouse Of Transformation And Growth

Meet Renuka Jagtiani – a name that’s been making waves not just in the world of business but in our hearts as well. A woman who, at the age of 38, joined a retail empire with zero prior experience.

We’ve all heard those stories of self-made men who started with nothing but a dream and a dollar. Well, this one’s a little different but no less incredible. Renuka Jagtiani, our leading lady, is the Chairwoman and CEO of the Landmark Group, a colossal multinational consumer conglomerate based in Dubai, founded by her late husband, Micky Jagtiani.

Now, I know what you might be thinking—she inherited it all, right? But oh, honey, it’s not that simple. Renuka’s journey from “newbie” to a powerhouse in the business world is filled with determination, passion, and a fair share of challenges, leading her to debut in the Forbes India Rich List in 2023 at 44th Rank.

A blank canvas for Renuka Jagtiani

Renuka’s late husband, Micky Jagtiani, began the Landmark Group in 1973, starting with a baby products store in Bahrain targeted at South Asian immigrants. It’s this very vision that laid the foundation for Baby Shop, the brand we know and many love today.

So, what did Renuka do? Imagine stepping into a world where you know nothing about the landscape. At 38, Renuka did just that. She joined the Landmark Group, a realm dominated by her husband’s vision, with zero retail experience.

Well, her husband and mentor suggested she venture into the young fashion segment, and she founded Splash in 1993 and spent the first 12 years of her career building the brand from scratch, from buying and merchandising to building stores. We often hear about the sweat, tears, and sleepless nights that go into building a brand from scratch. Renuka Jagtiani’s journey seems no different.

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The iconic Splash, which started as a small seed, has now grown into a giant oak tree with more than 200 stores across 11 countries in the Middle East and Africa. In 2004, she handed the reins of the Splash business to Raza Beig.

In 1999, she ventured into an entirely different challenge – setting up the Landmark Group’s India business. This venture was an entirely different challenge compared to the Middle East market, and Renuka spent 20 years nurturing and growing the Indian business, teaching herself how to work long-distance in a vastly different and challenging environment.

You see, life has a way of throwing curveballs, but it’s how you swing that bat that matters. And oh, did Renuka hit it out of the park. Over two decades, she nurtured and grew the India business, which now boasts 900 stores across various formats. Lifestyle, a department store chain, Home Centre, and Max have become household names across the subcontinent.

Transformation into a powerhouse

As Landmark Group continued to flourish, Renuka’s role evolved. She became the Vice Chairperson in 2011 and later took on the responsibilities of Chairwoman and CEO. It was a dual role, overseeing a diverse business portfolio, and it had its fair share of challenges, especially during the pandemic.

But 2022 saw a transition in her role as she decided to step down as CEO, focusing more on her role as Chairwoman. Her primary focus? “To further enhance the strategic vision for the company and take the business to new heights.”

Passing the baton to the next generation, including her three children—Aarti, Nisha, and Rahul, each with their strengths and experience, planned to ensure a smooth succession.

The Landmark Group, under Renuka’s leadership, has established businesses across various categories, catering to a diverse population. From food, kids, and apparel to home and electronics, they’ve got it all covered. They introduced and grew new businesses, such as VIVA, the UAE’s first food discounter, and Styli, their first online-only fashion offering. As we enter 2023 and beyond, Renuka outlines three major focus areas for Landmark Group in her interview with RetailME.

Firstly, they are committed to growth and expansion in the Middle East, India, and Southeast Asia. Second, sustainability and meeting the evolving needs of customers remain at the core. Lastly, they’re resolute about carrying forward Micky Jagtiani’s legacy of entrepreneurship.

The Forbes India rich list: a new feather in her hat

Speaking of reaching the top, Renuka Jagtiani’s achievements haven’t gone unnoticed. In 2023, she made her debut in the Forbes list of 100 richest Indians, securing the 44th position with an estimated net worth of $4.8 billion. It’s a testament to her unwavering commitment, visionary leadership, and the enduring spirit that’s taken her from being a newcomer to a trailblazer in the world of business.

There you have it, the unique journey of Renuka Jagtiani, and as we celebrate Renuka’s accomplishments, we celebrate the strength, resilience, and unyielding spirit of women everywhere. Renuka’s journey has been one of immense learning. She’s observed that sometimes you have to unlearn things to grow.

So, take a leaf out of her book, chase your dreams, and remember that every challenge you face is just another step on the path to success. The sky’s the limit. Keep shining!

Recommended read:

• Are You Still Wondering Who Is Namita Thapar?
• Ghazal Alagh: From Concerned Mom To Mogul!
• 30 Women Entrepreneurs In India

Image source: CanvaPro

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