Titan MD CK Venkataraman to retire in December 2025, Ajoy Chawla named successor

A file photo of CK Venkataraman, MD, Titan Company Ltd
| Photo Credit:
BIJOY GHOSH

Titan Company has announced that C. K. Venkataraman (Venkat), the current Managing Director, will retire on December 31, 2025, upon attaining the age of superannuation as per the Tata Group’s retirement policy. Ajoy Chawla, currently the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Company’s Jewellery Division, will succeed Venkat as Managing Director, effective January 1, 2026.

CK Venkataraman joined Titan in 1990 and became Managing Director on October 1, 2019. Ajoy Chawla joined Tata Administrative Services (TAS) in 1990 and began his career in Titan’s finance department in 1991. Over the next two decades, he worked in the Watches Division, holding various roles across Commercial, Sales, Retailing, Supply Chain, SAP implementation, and as SBU Head for Accessories and Licensed Brands. He later headed the Titan SBU for both domestic and international markets.

From 2013 to 2019, Ajoy served as Chief Strategy Officer at Titan, while also leading Business Incubation. During this period, he scaled the Fragrances business and established the Taneira brand. In October 2019, he was appointed CEO of Titan’s Jewellery Division. Under his leadership, the division has grown 2.5x in sales and profits, further strengthening its market presence and thought leadership.

C. K. Venkataraman, Managing Director of Titan, said, “On behalf of the entire Titan team, I welcome Ajoy to lead Titan in its next phase of innovation and growth. With his strong customer obsession, people orientation, partnering impulse, and focus on creating value, Ajoy is well-qualified to shepherd Titan towards even greater glory and scale.”

The formal process to induct Ajoy onto the Board of the Company and his appointment as Managing Director will be completed in due course and is subject to shareholders’ approval.

Ajoy is an alumnus of VJTI, Mumbai, where he earned a degree in Mechanical Engineering, and holds a PGDM from IIM Calcutta. The Board of Directors of Titan Company Limited approved the succession plan at its meeting on Thursday. A decision regarding Ajoy’s successor in the Jewellery Division will be taken subsequently.

Published on May 8, 2025