Aditya Birla Lifestyle Brands (ABLBL) signals an aggressive push into India’s burgeoning bridge-to-luxury menswear segment with the appointment of Jaskaran Bir Singh as Business Head for Simon Carter/ Announced in February 2026, the appointment follows Singh’s high-impact tenure at Myntra and the Flipkart Group, where he spearheaded the market entry and scaling of global labels like French Connection and Kenneth Cole. Singh’s return to the Aditya Birla ecosystem - where he previously managed core portfolios at Van Heusen - is designed to integrate digital-first agility with established retail scale.
Strategic premiumization and revenue momentum
The leadership transition aligns with ABLBL’s robust fiscal trajectory. In Q3 FY26, the company reported a 10 per cent revenue increase to Rs 2,343 crore, with its lifestyle division—encompassing flagship brands like Louis Philippe and Van Heusen - contributing Rs 2,002 crore. The shift toward Simon Carter, a brand known for its eclectic British aesthetic, serves a critical ‘premiumization’ goal. As affluent Indian consumers increasingly seek designer-led apparel, ABLBL is leveraging Singh’s expertise in omnichannel strategy to elevate Simon Carter’s presence across 3,300+ group touchpoints.
Operational scaling and market challenges
Under Singh’s mandate, Simon Carter will see a revitalized strategy covering design, product development, and retail operations. The company is navigating a competitive landscape where capital expenditure has surged to support 90 store additions in the last quarter alone. Despite inflationary headwinds affecting the broader apparel sector, ABLBL’s EBITDA margins expanded to 18.4 per cent in late 2025. The primary challenge remains balancing the high-touch service required for a premium brand like Simon Carter with the industrial-scale efficiency of the ABLBL network, an area where Singh’s dual experience in e-commerce and traditional retail will be pivotal.
Demerged from ABFRL in 2025, Aditya Birla Lifestyle Brands manages iconic labels including Louis Philippe, Van Heusen, and Reebok. Operating over 3,300 stores, the company targets the mass-premium and designer segments. ABLBL aims to double its scale by 2030 through rapid omnichannel expansion and high-margin international partnerships.
