NIPPO MAKER INDO NATIONAL APPOINTS ARUN SRIRAM AS CHIEF MARKETING OFFICER

Indo National, the company behind Nippo batteries, has appointed Arun Sriram as Chief Marketing Officer from March 16, 2026. Bringing over 16 years of diverse experience, Sriram’s unconventional journey—from FMCG leadership to entrepreneurship and even professional poker—signals a bold, growth-focused direction for the brand’s future.

Indo National, the manufacturer of the well-known Nippo dry cell battery brand, has named Arun Sriram as its new Chief Marketing Officer, effective March 16, 2026, marking a significant leadership addition at a time when legacy brands are increasingly rethinking their market strategies in a digitally driven economy.

Sriram’s appointment comes with expectations of infusing fresh thinking into a category often seen as traditional and price-driven. With over 16 years of experience spanning fast-moving consumer goods, startups, and digital growth strategy, he brings a cross-sector perspective that aligns with the evolving demands of both urban and rural consumers.

At Indo National, best known for its flagship brand Nippo, Sriram is expected to lead marketing transformation initiatives, strengthen brand positioning, and drive growth across competitive and fragmented segments. The battery market, while mature, continues to witness shifts due to technological changes, sustainability concerns, and increased competition from both domestic and international players.

Sriram’s career trajectory reflects a blend of corporate leadership and entrepreneurial ambition. He previously served as General Manager and Category Head at iD Fresh Food, where he was responsible for driving growth, revenue, and profitability across key product categories. During his tenure, he played a crucial role in scaling operations and refining category strategies in a market increasingly influenced by convenience and health-conscious consumption.

Before that, he co-founded PinkBlue.in, a B2B e-commerce platform focused on medical supplies. The venture underscored his ability to identify emerging opportunities and build solutions in niche markets, particularly at the intersection of healthcare and digital commerce. His entrepreneurial experience is likely to inform his approach at Indo National, particularly in navigating new-age distribution channels and partnerships.

Sriram began his professional journey at ITC, one of India’s most established conglomerates, where he managed leading brands and developed a strong foundation in brand management and category leadership. His early exposure to structured FMCG practices provided a grounding that he has since adapted across diverse business environments.

In a move that adds an unconventional dimension to his profile, Sriram’s LinkedIn indicates a stint as a professional poker player prior to this appointment. While unusual in corporate career narratives, such an experience reflects a familiarity with risk assessment, strategic thinking, and decision-making under uncertainty—qualities increasingly valued in today’s volatile business landscape.

Most recently, Sriram worked as an independent consultant, advising companies on growth strategies. This phase of his career allowed him to engage with multiple industries, offering insights into scaling businesses, optimising go-to-market strategies, and leveraging digital tools for expansion. Such exposure is expected to benefit Indo National as it seeks to remain relevant in a rapidly transforming consumer ecosystem.

His appointment also signals a broader trend within Indian companies of bringing in leaders with hybrid skill sets—those who combine traditional marketing expertise with digital fluency and entrepreneurial instincts. As consumer behaviour becomes more fragmented and media consumption patterns evolve, companies are increasingly looking for leaders who can bridge the gap between legacy brand equity and modern engagement strategies.

For Indo National, the challenge lies in maintaining the strong recall of Nippo while adapting to newer consumer expectations, including sustainability, product innovation, and digital-first communication. Batteries, though often seen as utilitarian products, are deeply embedded in everyday life, powering everything from remote controls to essential devices. The opportunity, therefore, lies in repositioning the brand beyond functionality to relevance in a connected world.

Sriram’s diverse background suggests a leadership style that is likely to prioritise agility, experimentation, and data-driven decision-making. His experience across FMCG and startups positions him to balance scale with innovation—an essential requirement for companies operating in legacy categories undergoing transformation.

As Indo National embarks on its next phase of growth, the appointment of Arun Sriram as Chief Marketing Officer reflects a strategic intent to blend experience with fresh perspective, signalling that even the most established brands are willing to rethink their playbook in an increasingly competitive marketplace.