Anuj Jain holds the position of Managing Director and CEO at Kansai Nerolac Paints Ltd, a prominent player in the Indian paint and coatings industry. He assumed this leadership role on April 1, 2022, marking a significant milestone in his long-standing association with the company. Prior to his appointment as CEO, Anuj Jain served as the Executive Director of Kansai Nerolac Paints Ltd, a position he held from April 1, 2018. What makes his journey particularly noteworthy is his extensive history with the company, as he originally joined Kansai Nerolac as a management trainee in 1990, accumulating over three decades of experience in various capacities within the organization.
EDUCATION
Anuj Jain’s educational background is a pivotal component of his illustrious career in the paint and coatings industry. His academic journey began at the prestigious University of Mumbai, where he immersed himself in the field of Management from 1988 to 1990. This foundational education provided him with a comprehensive understanding of management principles and practices. Subsequently, at the Chetana Ramprasad Khandelwal Institute of Management and Research, Anuj Jain pursued a Master’s in Management Studies (MMS) with a specialization in Marketing, a course of study that extended from 1988 to 1990. This targeted education honed his expertise in marketing, a critical aspect of the business world. Together, his academic achievements, coupled with his extensive professional experience, have equipped him with the knowledge and skills necessary to excel in his roles, including that of CEO and Managing Director at Kansai Nerolac Paints Ltd.
CAREER
Kansai Nerolac Paints Ltd is a major player in the Indian paint and coatings industry and celebrated its centennial year of operation in the country in 2020. The company has established a significant presence in both the industrial and decorative paint segments. In the decorative sector, Kansai Nerolac offers a comprehensive product portfolio that includes paints, construction chemicals, wood finishes, and adhesive products. Simultaneously, in the industrial realm, the company excels in automotive coatings, powder coatings, and maintains a presence in general industrial and high-performance coatings. Notably, Kansai Nerolac Paints was an industry pioneer in introducing lead-free and low VOC paints in the consumer segment, showcasing their commitment to innovation and sustainability.
In the face of challenges that have beset the Indian paint industry in recent years, such as depressed demand in the automotive sector and supply constraints related to semiconductors, Kansai Nerolac Paints has proactively implemented strategies to navigate these hurdles. They’ve addressed the issue of inflation by taking a series of price increases. In the decorative segment, price increases have been aligned with inflation trends, although in the industrial sector, they have struggled to fully offset the inflationary impact. To meet these challenges head-on, Kansai Nerolac Paints plans to continue implementing price increases while also exploring cost optimization measures.
The automotive sector is a vital market for Kansai Nerolac Paints, and despite the challenging conditions, the company has remained resilient. They have successfully maintained uninterrupted supplies to automotive customers, even amid a period marked by semiconductor supply constraints. Projections by the Society of Indian Automotive Manufacturers (SIAM) suggest an improvement in the supply situation in the near future. Additionally, Kansai Nerolac Paints is actively seeking to expand its presence in non-automotive industrial coating segments, indicating a strategic diversification approach.
Although the Indian paint industry has exhibited steady growth, the per capita consumption of paints and coatings in the country remains relatively low. However, the situation is expected to evolve positively over the medium and long term. Rising income levels, urbanization, and changing consumer preferences, particularly towards premium paints, are anticipated to drive increased demand and higher per capita consumption. A growing number of industry players entering the market will provide consumers with more options and spur innovation, further boosting paint demand and per capita consumption.
The Indian paint and coatings industry faces several significant challenges. Supply-side challenges, high inflation, and the need for price increases to address these challenges are among the key hurdles. Furthermore, the organized segment of the industry has been gaining market share over the unorganized sector, accelerated by structural reforms like the Goods and Services Tax (GST) and the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. The unorganized sector, however, remains important for the industry due to its proximity to customers and markets, which can trigger new innovations and concepts.
Environmental sustainability is a key focus for Kansai Nerolac Paints. They have developed technology differentiators to reduce the environmental impact throughout the value chain, including at customer sites. The company is actively collaborating with suppliers to source raw materials from renewable sources and is preparing to expand its sustainable product portfolio. This includes the introduction of more products with low VOC, heavy metal-free, and environmentally friendly paints, aligning with global trends toward green and sustainable coatings.
In summary, Anuj Jain and Kansai Nerolac Paints Ltd are committed to overcoming industry challenges and promoting growth in both the decorative and industrial paint segments. They emphasize sustainability, innovation, and a strategic shift towards premium and environmentally friendly products in response to changing market dynamics.
