Women leaders are transforming India’s fashion retail industry with innovation, strategic vision, and customer-centric approaches. From luxury to fast fashion and D2C brands, they are driving growth, sustainability, and inclusivity while redefining brand storytelling and digital transformation.
Despite challenges like gender biases and work-life balance, they continue to set new benchmarks and influence Indian fashion globally. This special feature highlights inspiring women who have redefined business strategies, introduced breakthrough innovations, and led their brands to success.
In this edition, we are featuring a visionary leader making waves in the fashion retail industry, Harita Choudhary Kaul, Chief Product Officer, United Colors of Benetton.
A post graduate in Integrated Fashion Technology Programme, with a specialisation in Design from Pearl Academy (with Nottingham Trent University, U.K.) and a BCom Hons graduate from Delhi University, Harita has always been fascinated by the intersection of commerce and creativity, which naturally led her to the fashion retail industry.
Over the years, her journey has evolved from understanding consumer behaviour and product development to leading large-scale strategies that drive both brand identity and business growth.
Her passion for innovation and adaptability has helped her navigate an ever-changing market.
Current Role & Responsibilities
Harita drives end-to-end product strategy, design, development, merchandising, and visual merchandising for United Colors of Benetton in India. She leads the entire product lifecycle—from concept to consumer—integrating trend forecasting, category expansion, and omnichannel execution.
Challenges & Triumphs in Leadership
Being one of the few women in leadership for a long time came with its challenges, but it also strengthened Harita’s ability to lead with confidence, conviction, and results. She ensures her strategic vision and business impact speak louder than any biases.
A pivotal moment for her was taking only a short, three-month maternity break and seamlessly transitioning back into a high-visibility leadership role. By staying focused, resilient, and results-driven, she not only reclaimed her space but also set a precedent for how organisations should evolve—creating environments where women in leadership are supported through all life transitions, without bias or hesitation.
Key Strengths & Areas for Growth
- Strengths: Strategic vision with analytical creativity; Resilience & Agility; Consumer-Centric decision making
- Areas for Growth: Delegation; focus on empowering teams to drive impact at scale
Game Changing Decisions for Brand
Harita spearheaded a strategic refresh of the brand’s collection by introducing vibrant colour palettes and modern silhouettes inspired by global trends.
Career Aspirations & Future Goals
To lead a global fashion retail brand as CEO, shaping its vision with a balance of innovation, strategy, and financial growth, while championing sustainability and integrating technology.
Essential Skills for Success
- Global perspective and local relevance
- Customer-Centric thinking
- Business acumen
- Leadership & People management
3 Emerging Trends & Technologies Shaping the Fibre End of Retail
- AI & Personalisation in retail
- Sustainable & Circular fashion
- Omnichannel & experiential retail
3 Career Learnings
- Adaptability is key—markets change, and so must we
- People drive success—invest in building strong teams
- Data & creativity must go hand-in-hand
Advice for Aspiring Women Leaders
Own your voice and your vision, don’t be afraid to challenge the status quo. Your distinct perspective is your most powerful asset.
Biggest Role Model & Why
Indra Nooyi—her ability to lead with both strength and empathy while transforming businesses on a global scale is truly inspiring.
Life Mantra
Lead with purpose, innovate with passion, and always stay ahead of the curve.
