JK Paper appoints Gunjan Shah as president of paper business

INDIA – JK Paper has appointed Gunjan Shah as President for its paper business, bringing nearly three decades of leadership experience spanning consumer products, retail and fast-moving consumer goods to a company strengthening its paper and packaging operations.

Shah’s background covers sales, commercial operations and business transformation, with expertise in driving strategic growth, strengthening distribution networks and building high-performing organisations. 

His appointment follows senior executive roles at Bata India and Britannia Industries and comes as JK Paper continues to strengthen its paper business and respond to evolving industry requirements. 

Commercial leadership experience from consumer-facing sectors is increasingly relevant to paper and packaging manufacturers, where distribution efficiency and brand positioning influence competitiveness alongside manufacturing capability.

Former Bata India CEO Led Retail and Supply Chain Initiatives

Before joining JK Paper, Shah served as managing director and chief executive officer at Bata India, where he spent more than five years leading business operations and strategic priorities. 

During his tenure, he focused on strengthening retail and franchise operations, expanding distribution capabilities and advancing supply chain and technology initiatives. 

His responsibilities encompassed business strategy, organisational leadership, commercial performance and operational transformation within India’s footwear and retail sector.

Britannia Tenure Spanned Sales, Supply Chain and International Operations

Previously, Shah spent nearly 14 years at Britannia Industries, progressing through leadership positions across sales, supply chain, business transformation and international operations. 

Most recently, he served as chief commercial officer, overseeing India commercial operations across biscuits, bakery and dairy categories. Before that, he held the position of vice president for sales, leading nationwide sales responsibilities across multiple product categories and distribution channels. 

He also served as head of international business, overseeing overseas operations and subsidiaries, and led Britannia NEXT, a cross-functional business transformation initiative focused on operational efficiency and value chain improvements.

Manufacturing Base Spans Three Integrated Facilities

Shah began his career at Asian Paints, where he held the position of regional manager. 

He holds a Bachelor of Technology in Computers from VJTI, Mumbai, and a Post Graduate Diploma in Management from the Indian Institute of Management Calcutta, along with an executive education programme in marketing at Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management. 

JK Paper, with a business legacy dating back to 1938, produces office papers, coated papers, writing and printing papers, and high-end packaging boards. 

Its manufacturing operations include integrated pulp and paper facilities at Rayagada in Odisha, Songadh in Gujarat and Kagaznagar in Telangana.

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