As India edges closer to the launch of the first Foot Locker stores, excitement among sneaker heads and sports enthusiast continues to increase. Taking a step further in ensuring unparalleled customer experience, Metro Brands Limited (which will own and operate Foot Locker stores within India) has announced the appointment of Nandadeep Jayakar as Business Head – Foot Locker India, effective immediately.
He will report to Alisha Rafique Malik, President, Sports Division, E-Commerce and CRM, Metro Brands Ltd.
Jayakar has three decades of experience in Operations, Management, Product Development, Merchandising, and Supply Chain and brings strategic acumen and a successful track record of brand building and operational execution to the innovative table at Metro Brands Ltd.
Nandadeep’s arrival at Metro Brands comes at a time when the company, which is one of India’s largest footwear retailers, is set to further amplify its business operations in the fast-growing athletic footwear segment. His addition underscores Metro Brands’ commitment to pushing boundaries of progressive fashion.
Commenting on his appointment, Nandadeep Jayakar, Business Head, Foot Locker India said, “With our partnership with Foot Locker, Metro Brands Limited takes an exciting leap in the sneaker and athleisure categories. This expansion not only broadens our horizons but also reflects our unwavering commitment to catering to the evolving needs and preferences of our diverse customer base. It’s a testament to our agility, vision, and dedication to providing unparalleled quality and choice in footwear, empowering individuals to stride with confidence in every aspect of their active lifestyles. I look forward to Foot Locker India’s foray into this dynamic market as we gear up to set new standards in the industry and grow our leadership position in India.”
Alisha Malik, President at Metro Brands Limited said, “As one of the leading footwear retailers in India, we take pride in resonating with the pulse of our customers. We are excited to elevate sneaker culture in the country with Nandadeep’s vast experience guiding us on this journey.”
Nandadeep’s dynamic career path includes his recent tenure at Adidas India, along with significant roles at prominent organisations such as Future Group, Sony Music, Bajaj Auto, and Voltas. His diverse background positions him uniquely to lead Foot Locker India’s business operations, as Metro Brands continues to expand its footprint in the retail sector.
About Metro Brands Ltd
Metro Brands is one of the largest Indian footwear specialty retailers and is amongst the aspirational Indian brands in the footwear category. The Company opened its first store under the Metro brand in Mumbai in 1955 and have since evolved into a one-stop shop for all footwear needs, by retailing a wide range of branded products for the entire family including men, women, unisex and kids, and for every occasion including casual and formal events.
In addition to men’s, women’s, and kid’s footwear, it also has a wide range of handbags, belts, wallets, etc. Metro Brands retails footwear under its own brands of Metro, Mochi, Walkway, Da Vinchi and J. Fontini, as well as certain third-party brands such as Crocs, Fitflop, Fila, Skechers, Clarks, Puma and Adidas which complement its in-house brands. The Metro footwear range is specially curated based on the regional sensitivity to cater to the needs of different regions.
As of March 31, 2024, the Company operated 836 Stores across 193 cities spread across 31 states and union territories in India.
