CEO – Retailer’s Association of India

Kumar Rajagopalan is currently working as the CEO of Retailers Association of India.

Retailers association of India (RAI) is the unified voice of retailers in India. RAI works with all stakeholders for creating the right environment for the growth of retail industry in India, RAI is the body that encourages, develops, facilitates and supports retailers to become modern and adopt best practices that will delight customers.

RAI has a three charter aim of Retail Development, Facilitation and Propagation. RAI’s Focus Areas are Advocacy with Government, semi-government and international bodies; Talent Development - Programs across the lifecycle of retail employees and Industry Creation - Specialist programs for verticals, Leadership events, member meets and enabling research.

Prior to joining RAI, Kumar was the country head - retail solutions at IBM. He was responsible for leading the business and solution development functions as well as closely working across the brand teams of IBM to define and execute the overall sales and thought leadership strategy for IBM India.

Before joining IBM, he was the Executive Director and Chief Operating Officer of 'Crossword Book Stores'. Kumar was with Shopper's Stop Ltd. for 13 years. During his tenure with Shoppers' Stop Kumar has had varied responsibilities including: Head of Finance and Systems, Head of Operation, Head of Buying and Merchandising for Non-apparels, Head of concessions, Head of a venture called 'Bargains'.

Kumar is associated with various organizations and industry bodies that help and promote retail. He is also a visiting faculty in various business institutes. He has contributed articles to magazines and News Papers on topics like profitable retail operations, feast to famine theory in buying and merchandising, Strategic resource management in retail etc.

Prior to working at Shoppers' stop, he was a practicing Chartered Accountant specializing in management consulting, taxation, audit and corporate matters.

Over the years, Kumar has witnessed success by taking up functions that require start-up skills or turn-around skills.