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Thomas Varghese Takes Advisory Role At Raymond Lifestyle To Drive Textile And Retail Transformation

• By  Textile Excellence
• January 22, 2026

Veteran textile and retail leader Thomas Varghese has taken on a new advisory role at Raymond Ltd, marking a significant leadership development in India’s apparel and lifestyle sector. Varghese will serve as Advisor to the Group Chairman for Raymond’s Lifestyle business, working closely alongside the newly appointed chief executive officer to drive transformation across textiles, apparel, and retail operations.

The appointment follows a distinguished career spanning more than 44 years across some of India’s most influential textile and consumer businesses. Varghese spent 26 years at the Aditya Birla Group, where he retired in April 2025 after holding several senior leadership roles. His responsibilities included Business Head Textiles, Acrylic Fibre and Overseas Spinning, Senior Executive President at Grasim Industries overseeing pulp and fibre, and leadership roles at Aditya Birla Retail. His earlier experience also includes heading PSF marketing at Indo Rama Synthetics and senior marketing roles at Indian Organic Chemicals.

Industry observers view the move as strategically significant at a time when Raymond is sharpening its focus on lifestyle, apparel, and branded retail. India’s textile and apparel market is valued at over US$ 170 billion and is projected to grow at 9 to 10% annually through the end of the decade, supported by premiumisation, organised retail expansion, and rising discretionary consumption.

Varghese brings deep operational expertise across fibres, fabrics, apparel, and retail, combined with hands on experience in large scale transformation. His advisory mandate is expected to support Raymond’s ambition to strengthen integration across its textile and lifestyle businesses while improving speed to market, efficiency, and brand relevance. The role also highlights a broader trend of experienced industry leaders returning in strategic advisory capacities to guide complex transformations in India’s evolving textile and retail landscape.

Industry observers view the move as strategically significant at a time when Raymond is sharpening its focus on lifestyle, apparel, and branded retail. India’s textile and apparel market is valued at over US$ 170 billion and is projected to grow at 9 to 10% annually through the end of the decade, supported by premiumisation, organised retail expansion, and rising discretionary consumption.