PUMA, a sports company, has named Ramprasad Sridharan as the Managing Director of PUMA India. He is scheduled to assume his duties in December 2025 and will be reporting directly to Matthias Bäumer, the Chief Commercial Officer of PUMA.

Ramprasad has more than 25 years of experience in developing brands in the Asia Pacific area, focusing on digital expansion and business strategy.

In his most recent role, he served as the CEO and Managing Director at United Colors of Benetton India, overseeing major transformation projects.

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Before starting at United Colors of Benetton India, Ramprasad had worked in important positions at companies like Clarks and Reebok India. 

Throughout his career, he has shown a commitment to developing effective commercial strategies, particularly in areas such as leadership, organizational growth, driving change and innovation, and creating environments that promote high performance.

“Ram is a highly experienced leader with a strong track record in the fashion and footwear industry. He brings deep retail expertise to PUMA that will strengthen our operations and support India as one of our key markets,” says PUMA Chief Commercial Officer Matthias Bäumer. 

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“I am confident that his strong background will help accelerate PUMA India’s growth and play a crucial role in turning our global strategic priorities into regional success.”

 

Sridharan replaces Karthik Balagopalan, who decided to pursue new interests outside the company. Matthias Bäumer added, “I want to also thank Karthik for his two decades with PUMA and wish him the best for his future.”

Balagopalan became a member of the PUMA team in 2006 and took charge of the company's operations in India following his position as the brand's global head of retail and e-commerce. Throughout his nearly two-decade tenure, he played important roles in retail operations and business expansion both in India and internationally.

His proficiency in direct-to-consumer strategy significantly contributed to PUMA's success in India. He succeeded Abhishek Ganguly, who was in charge of PUMA India for nearly 10 years before embarking on his own business.

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The sportswear brand stated that Balagopalan has stepped down as the Managing Director of PUMA India to focus on family priorities in Germany. "We will officially announce the successor soon".

The Indian sportswear market has been witnessing rapid growth in recent years.

PUMA still sees India as a key market for growth, thanks to consistent expansion fueled by strong direct-to-consumer sales, an increase in retail stores, and growth in online sales.   

The new hire is anticipated to assist PUMA in navigating a competitive market, maintaining its growth, and adjusting to changing consumer preferences in sportswear and athleisure.