Quest Retail appoints Shriti Malhotra & Rahul Shanker as new leaders

Quest Retail, one of India’s beauty-focused specialty retailer, has elevated Shriti Malhotra to Executive Chairman and appointed Rahul Shanker as Group CEO. This move comes as the company embarks on an ambitious expansion, aiming to accelerate growth, enhance its omnichannel strategy, and deepen market presence.
Rahul Shanker will lead operations across Quest Retail’s extensive portfolio, which includes The Body Shop, Kiehl’s, Avon, Kylie Cosmetics, Anastasia Beverly Hills, Max Factor, Boddess, The Honest Tree, and other prominent brands.
This transition marks a new chapter for Quest Retail as Shriti Malhotra steps into the role of Executive Chairman after a transformative tenure as Group CEO. Under her leadership, the company solidified its position as a key player in India’s beauty industry, expanding its brand portfolio and pioneering innovative retail concepts. In her new role, she will guide the company’s long-term strategic vision, working closely with the Board of Directors to shape its future trajectory.

With nearly three decades in India’s retail sector, Shriti Malhotra has played a pivotal role in building and expanding major brands, including Benetton, Nike, and Puma. She has been instrumental in sport licensing, branding, retail development, and general management. Nineteen years ago, she reshaped India’s beauty landscape by launching The Body Shop in the country, driving its rapid expansion and cementing its leadership in the competitive beauty and personal care market.

Reflecting on the transition, Shriti Malhotra stated: “A company’s true strength lies in the passion of its people, and it has been my privilege to lead Quest Retail to where it stands today. Rahul’s extensive experience in consumer businesses and his transformational leadership make him the ideal person to drive the company’s next chapter. His appointment is crucial for enhancing our omnichannel capabilities and strengthening our market position.”
Rahul Shanker, a seasoned leader with nearly 27 years of experience, has held key roles in globally recognized organizations, including PepsiCo, Wrigley-Mars, Philips, Avon, and Modicare. His expertise spans multiple consumer categories, from FMCG to personal care and health & wellness, equipping him to lead Quest Retail into its next phase of expansion. His focus will be on accelerating growth, optimizing operations, and driving innovation in customer experience.

Following his appointment, Rahul Shanker expressed: “I am thrilled to join Quest Retail at such an exciting time. The company has built a strong portfolio and a powerful omnichannel ecosystem, uniquely positioning it for growth. My focus will be on scaling operations, innovating the customer journey, and identifying new opportunities to propel our success further. I look forward to working with our exceptional team and stakeholders to take Quest Retail to new heights.”
With this strategic leadership shift, Quest Retail is poised for an exciting new phase of innovation, expansion, and industry leadership.