KK Pant appointed MD at VF Arvind Brands

KK Pant has been roped in as managing director of VF Arvind Brands. He succeeds Darshan Mehta, who put in his papers in August. Pant’s stint at Arvind Brands starts tomorrow. He was earlier with Future Brands.

As managing director, Pant will be responsible for providing the company strategic direction. He will be in charge of the execution of the company’s long-term growth plan and day-to-day operations. He will be involved in talent development programmes, customer relations and be a part of the board management activities.

A graduate from IIT Chennai and IIM Kolkata, Pant has 20 years’ experience in the branded apparel and retailing businesses in India and overseas. He has also served as managing director and CEO of Indus-League Clothing Ltd, a company that he co-founded.

Pant was a member of the team that started and grew the Madura Garments business in the 1990s. He was the first brand manager for Van Heusen during its launch and roll-out in India. His experience includes a three year stint in London with the fashion retail businesses of Coats Viyella Plc.

VF Arvind Brands, a newly formed joint venture between Arvind Brands and the US-based branded lifestyle apparel maker, VF Corporation, was established in September 2006. Over the past decade, VF has successfully introduced and developed the Lee and Wrangler brands in India. In more recent years, it has introduced the Nautica, JanSport, Kipling and Riders brands in the country.