Vineet Agrawal to Retire After 40 Years at Wipro, Kumar Chander Named New CEO
- Vineet Agrawal will retire in January 2026 after 40 years at Wipro; Kumar Chander takes over as CEO from February 2026.
- Under Agrawal, Wipro Consumer Care grew from Rs 300 crore to Rs 10,600 crore, with 15 acquisitions and global expansion.
- Experienced Successor: Kumar Chander, with 34 years at Wipro, led major markets and acquisitions, making Wipro No.1 in Malaysia’s personal care segment.
Wipro Enterprises announced a major leadership transition as Vineet Agrawal, CEO of Wipro Consumer Care & Lighting and Managing Director of Wipro Enterprises, is set to retire in January 2026, concluding an exceptional 40-year journey with the company. Kumar Chander, currently President – Southeast Asia and Yardley India, will assume the role of CEO effective February 1, 2026.
To ensure a smooth transition, Chander will begin working closely with Agrawal starting October 2025, operating out of the company’s Bengaluru headquarters.
Agrawal joined Wipro in 1985 and took charge as CEO of the Consumer Care & Lighting division in 2002. Over the last two decades, he played a transformational role, expanding Wipro’s FMCG footprint from a domestic business focused on vanaspati and soap to a global enterprise spanning 60 countries. Under his leadership, the company executed 15 acquisitions, elevated Santoor into one of India’s top two soap brands, and significantly diversified into personal care, home care, skincare, food, lighting, and seating segments.
Wipro Enterprises Chairman Azim Premji paid glowing tribute to Agrawal’s legacy, stating, “Vineet has played a defining role in shaping Wipro Consumer Care & Lighting into a formidable, globally respected business growing it from Rs 300 crore in 2003 to over Rs 10,600 crore today. His instinctive understanding of people, culture, and long-term value creation has left a lasting legacy. I thank him for his extraordinary contribution over four decades”.
Premji also expressed strong confidence in the incoming CEO, saying, “I am pleased to welcome Kumar Chander as the next CEO. With 33 years at Wipro and a track record of success across India and international markets, he brings strategic clarity and executional excellence. His leadership helped Wipro become No. 1 in Malaysia’s personal care market and a top 3 player in several others. His humility, strategic insight, and deep business acumen make him well-suited to lead the company into its next phase”.
Reflecting on his career, Agrawal remarked, “It has been a privilege to be part of Wipro for 40 years and to lead Consumer Care & Lighting for the last two decades. Together, we have built a global business founded on strong systems, disciplined execution, and purpose-driven values. I am proud of the transformation we achieved and confident that Kumar’s distinctive leadership will take Wipro to even greater heights”.
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Chander expressed gratitude for the opportunity, stating, “It is an honour to lead Wipro Consumer Care & Lighting at such a pivotal moment. Wipro has shaped me both personally and professionally. I look forward to building on the strong foundation laid by Vineet and working with our global teams to create impact and growth across markets”.
With over 34 years at Wipro, Chander has led operations across India, Southeast Asia, and the Middle East. In his current role, he was instrumental in integrating international acquisitions and elevating acquired brands to leadership positions in key regions.
This leadership transition marks a new chapter in Wipro Consumer Care’s growth story, underpinned by a legacy of innovation, global expansion, and purpose-led leadership.
