Japan's Nippon Paint Holdings arm, NIPSEA Group, announced the appointment of Sharad Malhotra as Managing Director of Nippon Paint India, effective December 1, 2025, making him the first Indian to occupy the position in the company.

Malhotra will succeed Jon Tan as Managing Director, reporting to the Group's CEO, Wee Siew Kim, according to the company.

He is reported to become the first Indian to be appointed to this position in the company and will be responsible for driving the overall direction and strategy of India Group,, company claims.

Malhotra will continue to spearhead Nippon Paint's global foray into the automotive aftermarket business, a category that he has led since inception,..

"Sharad has successfully led and charted a strong growth path for our auto refinish business globally, while being based in India. His proven ability to deliver results, deep understanding of our business, and commitment to excellence make him ideally suited to lead our India operations through the next phase of growth," Nippon Paint Holdings Co-President Group CEO, NIPSEA Group, Wee Siew Kim says.

Stating that India is a key market for Nippon Paint with its large, young population, rapid economic growth, and vast consumer base, the company says, "With a favorable business environment, skilled workforce and expanding infrastructure, Nippon Paint sees strong reasons to focus on the Indian market."

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As Managing Director, Malhotra will be responsible for driving the strategic direction and overall growth of Nippon Paint’s India operations. His focus will be on sustainable expansion across all paint market segments, aligning with the company’s global strengths while adapting to the diverse needs of the Indian market.

Simultaneously, he will continue to spearhead Nippon Paint’s global automotive aftermarket business, a category he has successfully led since its inception.

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India continues to be a strategic growth hub for Nippon Paint, backed by its rapidly growing economy, young demographic profile, skilled talent pool, and expanding infrastructure. Recognizing these advantages, Nippon Paint remains committed to deepening its roots and long-term investments in the country.

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As the company transitions under new leadership, Nippon Paint India reaffirms its focus on creating long-term value for stakeholders and building on the Group’s strong legacy in Asian markets. Leveraging its technology, people, and ecosystem, the company aims to chart an ambitious growth trajectory in India’s dynamic and evolving market landscape.