Mr. Tushar Ved was presented with the opportunity to inherit a well-established family business. After graduating from college, he spent his initial years learning the ropes of the enterprise. During this time, his sister-in-law ventured into retail by securing a franchise deal with Bebe and opening a store in Dubai Mall. Recognizing the lucrative margins and untapped demand for luxury goods in the Middle East and Southeast Asia, the family strategically committed to retail expansion.

With the Indian market showing immense potential, Mr. Ved took up the challenge of developing it through a locally registered entity named Major Brands Pvt. Ltd., operating under the umbrella of the Apparel Group. By then, he had firmly resolved to lead this new venture, carving his own niche within the family legacy.

Under his visionary leadership, the Apparel Group has introduced and nurtured over 85 renowned brands—including Aldo, Charles & Keith, Tommy Hilfiger, Bebe, Guess, Bath & Body Works, and Tim Hortons. When asked about his growth-focused mindset, he remarked, “The only path to success can be carved by planning 10 years into the future.” This forward-looking philosophy has been instrumental in the group’s success.

Today, Major Brands has established a strong presence in India, operating over 300 stores across 38 cities and representing more than 20 international brands. Mr. Ved emphasized the behind-the-scenes complexity of retail, stating, “Before every store opens, there are a million things happening in the background.” A moment that stood out was when he shared how, just six hours before the grand opening of a flagship store, the shipment arrived turning a moment of uncertainty into a resounding success. “We pulled it off by the edge of the knife,” he said, reflecting the grit and coordination of his team.

The Learnings: Building Institutions, Not Just Businesses

Mr. Ved holds a strong belief in creating institutions where people feel a sense of belonging. “I want to build a workplace where everyone is happy to come to work on a Monday morning,” he said. He firmly believes that respect is foundational no matter how competent or innovative a person is, if they lack basic respect for colleagues, they have no place at the Apparel Group.

He highlighted the importance of a strong, emotionally resilient team: “I can control my emotions and remain calm during chaos, but if my team is weak-willed, we will still fail.” This perspective resonated deeply with me, reinforcing the importance of building supportive, like-minded teams where members complement each other’s strengths and weaknesses.

His view on timing was equally profound. “A plan only works if it’s executed at the right time and in the right place.” When I inquired about their partnership with Nine West, he revealed how hesitant they were at first. “We debated it a thousand times before saying yes but that one decision opened the floodgates. It attracted much bigger clients.” His ability to strategically bet on the right opportunities underscores the power of sharp business acumen and well-developed insight.

Despite his intense focus on growth, what stands out most is his human-centric approach. He believes in empowering his team, nurturing potential, and fostering a culture that goes beyond words on a wall. It is this deeply embedded culture that, in his words, allows him to “walk into work smiling every day.”

The Personal Connect: Why Insight Is Key

As someone deeply passionate about leadership and entrepreneurship, my conversation with Mr. Tushar Ved left a profound impact on me. What stood out wasn’t just the scale of his success or the iconic brands under his belt it was the thoughtful, intuitive way he made decisions. At every critical juncture, he didn’t rely solely on data, but on finely tuned insight. His ability to read market signals, anticipate shifts, and act with conviction is a kind of intelligence that goes beyond textbooks. It comes from years of listening, observing, experimenting, and most importantly trusting people.

What inspired me even more was his humility. Despite building a multi-brand empire, Mr. Ved remains grounded. His leadership style reflects a deep sense of responsibility not just to deliver outcomes, but to uplift those around him. “Success means nothing,” he said, “if people don’t feel proud to be part of the culture.” His vision of creating a workplace where people look forward to Mondays reflects a powerful blend of emotional intelligence and entrepreneurial spirit.

This balance between ambition and empathy is something I aspire to emulate in my own journey. Mr. Ved’s story reminded me that true leadership isn’t about having all the answers. It’s about asking the right questions, staying present, and cultivating trust. For him, insight isn’t a sudden flash of genius it’s a practiced skill, honed through collaboration, patience, and love for the craft.

The moment that will stay with me forever was his parting advice:

“Never break someone’s trust. It’s okay to under-commit and over-deliver, but if you overcommit and fail, you risk your relationships.”

That, above all, is the lesson I will carry forward.