Ajoy Chawla, a hands-on leader and Tata Group veteran with nearly three decades of experience, will take over as Managing Director and CEO of Titan Company, starting January 2026. From packing jewellery and watch orders in a small warehouse in London during Titan’s early days in Europe, to soon helming the company, Chawla’s journey reflects a deep-rooted journey within the Tata ecosystem.
Chawla’s journey with the Tata Group began after completing his post-graduate diploma in management from IIM Calcutta, when he was inducted into the Tata Administrative Service (TAS). He joined Titan in 1990 and has since risen steadily through the ranks, currently serving as the head of the Jewellery Division since 2019.
A mechanical engineer by training, Chawla spent the initial years of his career in Titan’s Watches Division, where he held various roles across commercial functions, sales, retailing, supply chain and SAP implementation. He also led the Accessories and Licensed Brands strategic business unit (SBU), gaining deep cross-functional exposure.
Early days
In the book Titan: Inside India’s Most Successful Consumer Brand, Chawla recalled his early days in Titan’s European operations, which floundered, when he sometimes himself packed jewellery and watches for sale. “I’d quickly freshen up, suit up and soon be discussing business plans for our European operations,” he recounted, highlighting both the agility and entrepreneurial spirit that marked his early leadership style.
Later, in the 2000s, Chawla headed strategy and business incubation for Titan and was closely involved with former MD Bhaskar Bhat in Titan’s exercise, Future Shock, which had around 60 middle and senior managers of the company brainstorming ideas for the future. Many ideas were thrown up, and one of them was eyewear, which he piloted. It took a lot of convincing on Chawla’s part to make his colleagues understand that wearing stylish spectacles was a style statement and prescription wear was not a health issue.
From 2013 to 2019, Chawla served as Titan’s Chief Strategy Officer while continuing to lead business incubation. During this period, he scaled up the fragrances business and laid the foundation for Taneira and Titan’s entry into the saree segment. Later, he moved on to lead Tanishq — Titan’s flagship jewellery business, which he continues to head.
As he prepares to take on the reins in 2026, Titan will be led by someone who has not only witnessed but also shaped its evolution over the past three decades.