Asian Paints names Leo Puri as next chairman, to succeed R Seshasayee from Jan 2027

Leading paints manufacturer Asian Paints on Monday said Leo Puri, who has been appointed as an additional and independent director on its board, has been named its next chairman, succeeding R Seshasayee.

The board approved Puri's appointment for a first term of five consecutive years, from September 7, 2026, to September 6, 2031, based on the recommendation of the Nomination and Remuneration Committee, the company said in a regulatory filing.

Puri will take over as Chairman of the company with effect from January 23, 2027, following the completion of Seshasayee's term.

Seshasayee has been Chairman of the Asian Paints board since October 1, 2023, and his term as an Independent Director concludes on January 22, 2027.

"... considering the impending completion of his term (Seshasayee), the board has appointed Leo Puri as the Chairman of the Board with effect from 23rd January 2027," Asian Paints said in the filing.

He shall hold office as Chairman until the conclusion of his current term as an Independent Director, subject to shareholders' approval of his appointment as an Independent Director, it added.

Puri brings over three decades of experience across financial services and corporate boards. He served as Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of UTI Asset Management Company from 2013 to 2018.

He is currently an Independent Director on the board of Hindustan Unilever Ltd and Lead Independent Director at Dr Reddy's Laboratories Ltd.

Puri is also Chairman of UTI Retirement Solutions Ltd and Non-Executive Independent Chairman of Northern Arc Capital Ltd