Berger Paints India Limited , a leading paint manufacturer, has announced the untimely passing of Mr. Rajesh Kumar Tiwari, Vice President & Group Head Manufacturing, on September 13, 2025. Mr. Tiwari, who was a key member of the company's Core Management Team and a Designated Person, passed away suddenly, leaving the organization in a state of shock and grief.

A Significant Loss for Berger Paints

The company, in its official communication to the stock exchanges, described Mr. Tiwari's demise as an "irreparable loss." As the VP & Group Head Manufacturing, Mr. Tiwari played a crucial role in overseeing the company's manufacturing operations, contributing significantly to Berger Paints' production capabilities and efficiency.

Company-wide Condolences

The news of Mr. Tiwari's passing has resonated throughout the organization. The Chairman, Vice Chairman, Managing Director & CEO, Board Members, and employees of Berger Paints India Limited have collectively expressed their deep sympathy and condolences to Mr. Tiwari's family during this difficult time.

Official Disclosure

In compliance with Regulation 30 of the SEBI (Listing Obligations and Disclosure Requirements) Regulations, 2015, Berger Paints India Limited promptly informed the stock exchanges about this unfortunate event. The company's Vice President & Company Secretary, Arunito Ganguly, issued the official statement, which included relevant details as required by SEBI regulations.

Impact on Company Operations

While the company has not provided immediate information on succession plans or interim arrangements for Mr. Tiwari's role, the loss of a senior executive in charge of manufacturing operations could potentially have short-term implications for the company's management structure and operational oversight.

Berger Paints India Limited, known for its wide range of decorative and industrial paint products, will undoubtedly feel the impact of losing a key member of its leadership team. As the company navigates this challenging period, stakeholders will be watching closely to see how it manages the transition and maintains its operational excellence in the manufacturing sector.

The sudden loss of Mr. Rajesh Kumar Tiwari serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of life and the importance of robust succession planning in corporate structures. Berger Paints India Limited now faces the task of honoring Mr. Tiwari's contributions while ensuring continuity in its manufacturing leadership.

Berger Paints India Limited , one of India's leading paint manufacturers, has reported a positive start to the fiscal year, with growing urban demand and anticipation of a government infrastructure spending boost later in the year.

Q1 Performance Highlights

Berger Paints demonstrated resilience in the first quarter, posting growth despite challenging weather conditions:

• Consolidated revenue from operations increased by 3.6% to Rs. 3,200.76 crores, up from Rs. 3,091.01 crores in the same quarter last year.
• EBITDA (excluding other income) grew by 1.1% to Rs. 528.41 crores, compared to Rs. 522.41 crores in Q1 of the previous year.
• The company achieved a mid-single-digit volume growth, with a narrowing volume-value gap of 3.6% compared to 7% in the previous fiscal year.

Urban Market Momentum

Abhijit Roy, Managing Director & CEO of Berger Paints India Limited, noted, "This quarter saw sequential improvements in demand with month-on-month improvements being observed." The company reported increasing traction in urban markets, which contributed significantly to its performance.

Market Share Gains

Berger Paints continued to outperform the industry, resulting in market share gains:

The company's market share is estimated to exceed 20%, based on results declared by listed major paint companies.

Segment Performance

• The decorative segment delivered mid-single-digit volume growth.
• Strong traction was observed in Roof Kool & Seal, Home Shield range of products (construction chemicals), and wood coatings.
• The protective and automotive coatings maintained positive volume momentum.

Challenges and Outlook

Despite the positive performance, Berger Paints faced some challenges:

• The early onset of monsoon impacted growth, particularly in May-June.
• A fire incident at a warehouse in Barasat, West Bengal, resulted in an exceptional loss of Rs. 36.81 crores.

Looking ahead, the company anticipates a boost from government infrastructure spending later in the year. Mr. Roy stated, "The gradual and sequential improvement in domestic demand indicators and improving momentum in key markets are positive signs which were interrupted by the inclement weather but will recover in short order."

Strategic Focus

Berger Paints remains committed to innovation and brand distinctiveness to navigate short-term challenges. The company expanded its store footprint by over 300 during the quarter, taking the total count to 1,300+ stores, underscoring continued retail network growth.

As India's paint industry continues to evolve, Berger Paints' focus on urban markets and anticipation of infrastructure spending could position it well for future growth. However, the company remains cautious about potential risks from volatile geopolitical situations and uncertainties resulting from international tariff negotiations.