BRIEF26 | Shyam Motwani — Locks & Architectural Solutions (Godrej): Innovation begins with deep empathy for the consumer

This Year-Opener under BRIEF26 has been authored by Shyam Motwani, Business Head at Locks & Architectural Solutions, a business by Godrej Enterprises Group, exclusively for Mediabrief.com. Insights and inspiration for tomorrow.

2025 has been a remarkable year of momentum, adaptation, and reaffirmed purpose for Locks & Architectural Solutions, a business deeply rooted in trust, relevance and innovation. As we reflect on this year, a few memories and insights stand out that have shaped not just our performance but our thinking for the future.

We closed Calendar year 2025 with approximately ₹1,100 crore in revenue, up from the previous year, driven by significant growth in digital solutions and expanding online demand. Digital locks continue to be among our biggest growth drivers, with adoption rising rapidly as consumers increasingly seek connected, intelligent and seamless safety experiences, a trend that is reshaping our category and challenging us to think beyond traditional product development.

One of the most vivid memories of 2025 was the way our teams responded to shifting consumer expectations. Throughout the year, we didn’t just launch products, we delivered solutions that truly matter in people’s daily lives. Our Neo Digital Locks range, designed to democratise smart safety, exemplifies this effort, combining affordability with cutting-edge technology, and making smart safety accessible across urban and emerging market & expanded manufacturing set up for Digital locks.

This year also reinforced a lesson I have always believed: innovation begins with deep empathy for the consumer. Understanding their aspirations, whether it is ease of access, peace of mind, or a personalised digital experience has been central to our product philosophy. From biometric and RFID solutions to app-integrated experiences, we’ve advanced not just features but real usefulness. 

We also saw a clear shift in the mindset of Indian consumers. What was once perceived as a luxury, a connected or keyless lock is now increasingly seen as a normal expectation. Smart safety is rapidly becoming a standard in Indian homes, and this transition is accelerating beyond metros into tier-2 and tier-3 cities, signalling an expanding market and a growing awareness of safety and convenience. 

Another milestone of 2025 was the sustainable integration of e-commerce and quick commerce in our growth strategy. These channels doubled year-on-year and are now indispensable to our reach and relevance. Not only have they opened up new customer segments, but they’ve also enabled us to meet consumers where they increasingly prefer to shop with convenience, transparency and speed. 

As we navigated operational challenges from supply fluctuations to changes in real estate demand, we remained anchored in agility and readiness to pivot. Our teams demonstrated resilience and focus, turning external headwinds into opportunities to strengthen distribution, deepen customer engagement, and refine our go-to-market strategies. This adaptability is a hallmark of enduring businesses. 

Looking ahead, our priorities are clear, ambitious and anchored in long-term value creation. We are focused on achieving and surpassing our revenue targets through three strategic pillars: innovation, digital-led expansion and architectural solutions.

On innovation, we will continue to invest in expanding our smart and connected ecosystem and focusing on being design led. The next wave of digital locks will not simply unlock doors, they will integrate with broader smart home platforms, offer voice and biometric enhancements, and deliver predictive insights so homeowners feel safer and more informed. Our belief is that safety should feel effortless, not intrusive.

Digital adoption is also at the core of how we will scale. We plan to deepen our partnerships with e-commerce and quick commerce platforms, expand our presence into newer geographies, and tailor experiences that resonate with digitally native consumers. The opportunity here is immense: India’s digital consumer base is growing rapidly, and we intend to lead by delivering products that are intuitive, future-ready, and trustworthy.

In our Architectural Solutions business, we see robust potential alongside booming housing and infrastructure growth. From premium residencies to large commercial spaces, the demand for sophisticated fittings and design-led hardware is rising. We will invest in expanding our portfolio, enhancing design innovation and strengthening collaborations with architects and builders to shape environments that marry safety with aesthetic purpose.

Beyond business metrics, we will continue to build trust through education and awareness. In recent years, our campaigns from ‘Har Ghar Surakshit’ to ‘Befikar Living Unlocked’, have underscored that safety is an emotional and rational priority. In 2026, we will elevate this further, helping consumers understand not just what solutions exist, but why they matter. 

In terms of where we will invest and where we might be more judicious, our focus will be on future-proofing our capabilities, including supply chain resilience, data safety for connected products, and advanced analytics to anticipate consumer behaviour. At the same time, we will be mindful of optimizing costs in areas that do not directly enhance consumer value, ensuring our investments are purposeful and scalable.

We also see powerful trends emerging that will shape our strategy in 2026 and beyond. AI-enabled safety experiences, voice interaction, and IoT interoperability are no longer distant possibilities; they are imminent realities. We are preparing today so that when these trends become mainstream, Godrej Locks will be not be just present but leading the adoption curve.

We’re equally passionate about nurturing talent and building a culture that embraces change without losing its core. As we scale, every voice, from R&D to field sales matters. Diverse perspectives fuel innovation, and an empowered team propels growth in ways no single strategy ever could.

2025 reminds us that legacy is not something we inherit, it is something we earn every day through trust, consistency and relevance. Moving into 2026, we face a challenging environment where rising raw material costs continue to put pressure on margins, impact demand cycles and test profitability across the sector.

These commodity headwinds are real and they demand sharper efficiencies, smarter sourcing and more resilient business models. We are committed to navigating these challenges with discipline, protecting long-term value and continuing unlocking safer and smarter living for Indian homes. 

Shyam Motwani is Business Head of Locks and Architectural Solutions a part of Godrej  Enterprises Group. He is a seasoned professional with over 37 years of diverse experience in  marketing, operations management, exports, new product and business development, and business  strategy. His career spans across various industries including FMCG, consumer durables, retail, and  locking solutions and devices for home and commercial/office security. With a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering and an MBA in Marketing from Bombay University, Shyam’s expertise lies in  branding and identity, retail, and business strategy.

Throughout his career, Shyam has demonstrated a keen ability to identify emerging opportunities and anticipate changing customer needs. Under his  leadership, the Locks Division at Godrej has witnessed exceptional growth, with an expanded product portfolio and impressive financial performance. His visionary outlook has led to early adoption of  advanced technology and internationally accredited management systems, enhancing the company’s reputation and valuation.

In addition to his professional achievements, Shyam is a passionate sports  and art enthusiast. He enjoys cooking, traveling, and listening to music during his leisure time.

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