Avenue Supermarts has announced a leadership transition that places governance at the helm. The board has approved Kalpana Unadkat, currently an Independent Director, as Chairperson of the company with effect from 1 April 2026. This move comes alongside news that Chandrashekhar Bhave will cease to be Chairman at the close of business on 31 March 2026, with his second term as an Independent Director ending on 16 May 2026.
Kalpana Unadkat brings more than 25 years of experience in corporate law, governance, and cross-border M&A. A dual-qualified solicitor in India and the United Kingdom, she has held senior positions such as Senior Partner at Khaitan & Co and Co-Head (India Practice) at Ashurst, a London-based international law firm. On the Board, she is credited with deep governance insight, regulatory know-how, and a principled approach to board effectiveness, risk oversight, and strategic clarity.
Industry observers may view this as a deliberate pivot toward a governance-led leadership model for the retailer, underscoring a focus on long-term strategy, robust oversight, and strengthened decision-making processes. Unadkat’s profile suggests a collaborative leadership style that encourages open dialogue and constructive debate at the board level, qualities that many boards value during inflection points in growth journeys.
The change also marks a formal transition in the chairman’s role, while Bhave continues as an Independent Director until mid-May 2026. The board’s transition plan signals continuity as Avenue Supermarts navigates its next phase, with governance and strategic oversight centered as a core priority.