BRIEF25 | Kamal Nandi of Godrej Enterprises Group: Progress stems from curiosity

Kamal Nandi , Business Head and EVP at Appliances Business of Godrej Enterprises Group , writes exclusively for our special series BRIEF25

024 was an exceptional year for us in terms of both growth and innovation. One of the standout moments was the expansion of our Shirwal facility near Pune, a testament to our commitment to creating “Made in India and Made for India” products. The dedicated production line for AI-powered, fully automatic front-load washing machines represents our vision for the future: appliances that are intuitive, efficient, and tailored to consumer needs. We aim to achieve 2X growth in this category with this expansion.

On a personal front, every few years I try to pick up a new thing – a hobby or some skill. 2024 was dedicated to learning a new sport – Golf. I highly recommend the game to all sport lovers.

2024 reaffirmed that consumer preferences are evolving rapidly, and our ability to adapt is key to staying relevant. We noticed a growing demand for appliances that transcend functionality—products that integrate aesthetics, intelligence, and convenience.

To address these expectations, we introduced the Eon Vogue series of air conditioners and refrigerators with nature-inspired wood-finish designs that blend with Indian home aesthetics. Our AI-powered appliances—designed to think and adapt—feature smart sensors that optimize performance based on user behavior.

The year reinforced a timeless lesson: brands that actively listen to their customers are the ones that thrive. Every product we launched, every campaign we executed, was rooted in an effort to unlock greater value for our customers, and we were rewarded with the highest growth levels across categories.

S ome of the top trends from 2024 that stood out included Indian Summer – The Great Equalizer, the transformation in consumer expectations, and the dominance of digital.

This year, saw unprecedented heat waves sweeping the country. And in turn, a category which was typically seen as premium, restricted to the upper social strata, suddenly erased barriers and cut across its target audience definitions.

We saw a huge jump in first time AC users. This shift in demand driven by necessity is defining how brands position and market ACs in future. Finance options have played a big role in enabling product adoption and upgrades to premium products making them accessible to a much larger audience.

In today's new India, consumer expectations from products and businesses are undergoing a significant transformation. The year saw a notable shift in the dynamics of the appliances industry, driven by changing consumer aspirations. Purchase decisions are driven by a broad range of factors including aesthetics, convenience, finance options that enable them to upgrade etc.

Digital platforms and e-commerce continued to revolutionize how brands engage with consumers. We are seeing higher acceptance levels of e-comm channels in consumers post Covid even for larger appliances. Social media, with its influencer-driven ecosystem, is also playing an increasing role in shaping preferences and purchase decisions.

W e have always had a forward-looking process at Godrej Enterprises Group. We are committed to an R&D heavy approach to keep leveraging emerging opportunities. With 12% of the appliances business workforce dedicated to R&D, we are continuously aiming to foster innovation.

Our partnership with the Ministry of Education and AICTE for the 7 th Edition of the Smart India Hackathon 2024 is a testament to this commitment wherein we are welcoming new ideas and approaches from the young minds of India.

As technological advancements accelerate across industries, for professionals it's essential to explore the vast potential of collaboration and innovation. By leveraging breakthroughs from your own sector and beyond, you can forge new connections and integrate diverse technologies to create meaningful solutions. Cross-linking technology and ideas can unlock unprecedented opportunities for growth, disruption, and transformation.

T he intersection of innovation, sustainability, and customer-centricity will define growth for both enterprises and society. Consumers will grow more environmentally conscious than ever in coming years, and businesses that integrate sustainability into their core strategies will build stronger, more enduring relationships.

In today's AI-driven world, staying stagnant is not an option. Every professional must look at upskilling—particularly in understanding and leveraging technology. AI offers immense potential to streamline processes, enhance productivity, and foster creativity, but only for those who are equipped to use it effectively.

Personally, I plan to deepen my understanding of emerging technologies and explore how they can be harnessed to further elevate the customer experience. This focus on continuous learning ensures we remain agile and prepared for the challenges ahead.

When you enter our office, the first thing you see is a larger-than-life quote from our founder, Mr. Naval Godrej: “ Aaje navu su kidu? ” which translates to “Did you do anything new today?”

This simple yet profound question inspires us to think differently, innovate continuously, and always keep our customers at the forefront of everything we do. It serves as a daily reminder that progress stems from curiosity and a commitment to making a difference.

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