Mumbai: Kansai Nerolac Paints Ltd (KNPL) has announced the appointment of Anuj Jain as the managing director, effective from 1 April. Jain succeeds H M Bharuka, who will be superannuating on 31 March.

Jain joined KNPL in 1990 as a management trainee. In his tenure of over 30 years at the company, he has worked in various capacities across various functions and brings a wealth of experience. He has been on the board of KNPL in the capacity of executive director since 2018. 

"I am deeply grateful to the board and Kansai Paints, Japan for giving me an opportunity to not just be a part but lead this esteemed organisation," said Anuj Jain. "I look forward to continuing the rich history of this company and build on the legacy of Mr Bharuka to take the company to greater heights.

Bharuka joined KNPL in 1985, becoming its managing director in April 2001. He featured amongst India’s Top 50 CEOs and was awarded a lifetime achievement award by the Indian Chemical Industry. He served as the first non-Japanese director on the board of Kansai Paints, Japan. He is also credited for leading KNPL’s expansion into the Indian subcontinent.

"Bharuka was known for his visionary and bold leadership style which led to many firsts in the Indian paint industry. Under his leadership, KNPL won numerous accolades in a variety of areas notably the Golden Peacock Award for Corporate Governance, Best Managed Company by Business Today, Great Place to Work by GPTW and recognition as an ESG leader in India by CRISIL," said the company in a statement.