Retail Design Institute India Chapter Announces Election of New Chapter Officers for 2025–2027 Term
- Retail Design Institute
- Oct 30
- 3 min read
Updated: Oct 31
The Retail Design Institute’s India Chapter is pleased to announce the election of its new Chapter Officers, who will lead the Chapter beginning November 1, 2025, through October 31, 2027. This group of retail design leaders brings deep expertise and dedication to advancing the Institute’s mission in one of the world’s most dynamic retail markets.
Sanjay Agarwal, Surender Gnanaolivu, and Shyam Sunder K were each re-elected for a second term, joined by new board member Saritha Gopalkrishnan, marking a strong continuation of leadership and vision for one of the Institute's newest chapters’ next phase of growth.
President: Sanjay Agarwal, RDI, Managing Director, FRDC
A Professional Member since 2014, Sanjay continues in his role as Chapter President, leading with more than 27 years of experience in retail design and strategy.
“My experience over the last 27+ years as a professional Retail Designer has made me discover not only hidden nuances of retail design but also made me aware of how much potential we carry for creating a positive impact on society and community through our work and philosophy.
My vision for RDI India is to make it into a strong community-led platform where it can create an impact on the entire retail design ecosystem and transform into a professional body that helps push creative boundaries and supports Indian retailers and designers to proudly carry its badge,” said Agarwal.
Vice President: Surender Gnanaolivu, RDI, Retail Experience Design Curator
A Professional Member since 2023, Surender continues in his role as Vice President and brings over 30 years of experience shaping India’s retail landscape and mentoring future leaders.
“As VP-Elect of the RDI India Chapter, I see my role as enabling the team and using our combined network and connections we’ve built over the years to open more doors for our community. The idea is to focus on bringing people together, sharing knowledge, giving visibility to talent, and creating opportunities to learn from one another. If we can make Indian retail design more connected, more confident, and more recognized globally, I’ll consider our job well done,” said Gnanaolivu.
Secretary: Saritha Gopalkrishnan, RDI, Head of Business Development, MBH Architects
Newly elected to the board, Saritha has been a Member of the Institute since 2024 and serves as Project Manager and Head of Business Development for MBH Architects India. With over 25 years of experience across business development, design, and academia, she brings a strong focus on collaboration, education, and cultural relevance within the Indian retail design community.
Treasurer: Shyam Sunder K, RDI, Co-founder & Managing Director, Four Dimensions Retail Design (I) Pvt. Ltd.
A long-standing leader in India’s retail design sector, Shyam continues as Treasurer, ensuring operational and financial excellence for the Chapter.
“As Treasurer of the Retail Design Institute India, my vision is to ensure financial transparency, integrity, and sustainability, work together with the team, enabling the Institute to invest in knowledge, innovation, and community-building that empowers design professionals and strengthens the future of retail design in India,” said Shyam.
The Retail Design Institute congratulates the India Chapter Officers on their election and extends appreciation to these leaders for their continued commitment to advancing design excellence, collaboration, and education throughout the region.
About the Retail Design Institute
The Retail Design Institute is a global 501(c)(6) organization dedicated to advancing the practice and collaborative craft of creating selling environments. Through its Chapters, The Institute provides opportunities for education, mentorship, and networking for professionals and students in retail design and related disciplines.
In Build Now GG, I hit a perfect cone on someone mid-rush, and they froze like their controller disconnected. That single moment made the entire session worth it.