TLL Staff
Former Disney exec Sanjeet Mehta has been appointed Head of India by the global brand and licensing giant Authentic Brands Group.
Mehta brings more than 25 years of experience across retail, sales, business development and marketing. ABG says he has demonstrated a proven track record in overseeing large-scale operations, spearheading startups and working in highly competitive and fast-paced environments, including his time at Disney.
Mehta most recently served as Executive Director at The Walt Disney Company, where he led Disney’s Consumer Products and Retail business across the Middle East, North Africa, Indonesia, India and South Asia’s emerging markets.
The new role sees Mehta moving from one licensing giant to another. Authentic owns more than 50 global brands, generating approximately $32 billion in annual retail sales.
These brands have a significant presence in 150 countries, with more than 13,000 freestanding stores and shop-in-shops, as well as 400,000 points of sale worldwide. Authentic’s portfolio of globally recognized brands includes Shaquille O’Neal, David Beckham, Reebok, Champion, Nautica, Elvis Presley, Marilyn Monroe, Sports Illustrated, Eddie Bauer, Aéropostale, Lucky Brand, Nine West, Brooks Brothers, Juicy Couture, Vince Camuto, Quiksilver, Billabong, Sperry, Hunter and Ted Baker.
In his new role at Authentic, Mehta will oversee the company’s strategy in India, focusing on expanding brand presence, forging strategic partnerships and driving revenue growth. He will work closely with Henry Stupp, Regional President, EMEIA, to strengthen and extend Authentic’s footprint in this key market.
As part of its global strategy, Authentic is focused on building strong retail, e-commerce and licensing partnerships in India, which presents a significant opportunity to expand the company’s diverse brand portfolio.
With Mehta’s experience in brand management and business development, Authentic aims to establish a robust market presence across key categories, including fashion, sports, home and entertainment.
“Sanjeet’s deep expertise in licensing, retail and brand management, combined with his ability to scale businesses and develop high-impact partnerships, makes him the ideal leader to drive our India strategy,” said Stupp. “We are excited to welcome him to the team as we continue to expand our global reach.”
Over the course of his career, Mehta has played a pivotal role in growing major global brands, including Tommy Hilfiger and Calvin Klein Underwear, through the Murjani Group. He also served in senior leadership roles at Nimbus Communications and Villeroy & Boch, followed by 13 years at Disney, where he led exponential growth in India’s consumer products business for more than a decade through strategic partnerships, category expansion and market-specific innovations.
“Authentic is home to some of the world’s most iconic brands, and I am thrilled to join the team at such an exciting time,” said Mehta. “India presents an incredible opportunity for Authentic’s diverse portfolio, and I look forward to working with our partners to unlock its full potential.”
Mehta is based in Mumbai, India, and assumed his new role on March 10.