Asian Paints Taps JPMorgan Vet Leo Puri as Next Chairman-Designate
Asian Paints has named former JPMorgan executive Leo Puri as its next chairman-designate. The appointment comes into effect on January 23, 2027, and will see him succeed R. Seshasayee in the role.
Puri is a veteran of India's financial sector, having held senior roles at JPMorgan Chase, UTI Asset Management, and private equity firm Warburg Pincus. He currently serves as the India advisory chair at global private equity firm Apax and chairman of Fortis Healthcare.
The leadership transition comes at a time when Asian Paints is facing intense competition from new entrants such as the Aditya Birla Group and JSW Group, which have stepped up investments in the decorative paints market. This has put pressure on growth and margins for India's top paint maker.