Ruchi Pangasa will lead operations as Director India Operations, as the company strengthens its business in the world’s most populous consumer market
Sanrio has opened its first representative office in India, strengthening its growth in the world’s most populous consumer market.
Newly appointed Ruchi Pangasa will lead Sanrio’s operations in the country as Director India Operations, drawing on her extensive experience in the international licensing industry.
Based in Mumbai, Sanrio says the new local office marks a strategic step in its long-term vision for growth and deeper engagement with the Indian market.
“With a local office now coordinating our licensing efforts in the country, we would like to further strengthen our operations in India to establish our beloved characters including Hello Kitty as the lifestyle brand recognized worldwide”, said Silvia Figini, COO of Sanrio GmbH (EMEA, Oceania, and India) and Mister Men Limited (Worldwide). “We will build on the strong foundations we have already established, expanding both our network of licensees and product categories to offer consumers more opportunities to engage with the world of Hello Kitty and her friends.”
Sanrio has begun working more closely with local Indian licensees over the past two years, including recent partnerships with Azorte (part of Reliance Industries Limited), LenskartSolutions Limited, and Bluestone, all of which have contributed to expanding Sanrio’s presence across multiple product categories.
Alongside Hello Kitty and her friends, Sanrio plans to introduce and grow Mr. Men Little Miss in India, a brand that has grown into a global lifestyle brand since its acquisition 15 years ago. Key categories include toys, entertainment, health and beauty and fashion.
