Grasim names Sachin Sahay as new Birla Opus CEO

India’s Grasim Industries on Friday appointed Sachin Sahay as the new managing director of its paint business Birla Opus.

Sahay’s appointment comes more than two months after the textile and chemicals maker announced the sudden departure of former CEO Rakshit Hargave, surprising analysts and raising concerns about the company’s future growth path in an industry where competition is rapidly intensifying.

Since its launch in February 2024, Birla Opus has invested heavily in paint factories in India and gained ground by offering huge discounts, mainly at the expense of market leader Asian Paints.

Sahay, who will take charge of India’s second largest paint manufacturer by capacity from February 16, joins diversified conglomerate ITC, where he most recently served as vice president of sales.