In a surprising development in the Indian corporate world, Sachin Chhabra, one of the most respected names in brand marketing, has decided to step down from his position as the Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) at Relaxo Footwear. The announcement has caught the attention of many in the marketing and advertising industry, especially considering the kind of transformation Chhabra brought to the company over the last two years. Known for his bold marketing strategies and strong consumer-centric approach, Sachin Chhabra’s exit raises questions about what lies ahead for both the footwear giant and the marketing guru himself.
Sachin Chhabra is a well-known figure in the Indian marketing landscape. He is widely regarded as one of India’s Top 50 CMOs, a recognition that speaks volumes about his expertise, experience, and influence. Before joining Relaxo Footwear, Chhabra held senior leadership roles at some of the biggest companies in India. He was previously the Head of Marketing & Capabilities at the Adani Group, where he managed marketing for two iconic cement brands—ACC and Ambuja Cement. Prior to that, he had worked at Amway India, MediaCom, DLF Limited, and Bharti Airtel, giving him a wide range of experience across different industries.
Chhabra is also academically accomplished. He is an alumnus of the prestigious Institute of Management Technology (IMT), Ghaziabad, one of India’s top business schools. He further sharpened his leadership and strategic thinking skills through executive programs at the world-renowned London Business School. These credentials and experiences have helped him stand out as a seasoned marketing leader who can create and scale successful brand strategies.
His Journey at Relaxo Footwear: A Period of Transformation and Growth
Sachin Chhabra joined Relaxo Footwear in August 2023 as the Vice President and Head of Marketing. From the very beginning, he was seen as someone with a clear vision and purpose. Within a short period, he climbed the ranks and took over as the Chief Marketing Officer, leading Relaxo’s entire marketing division. Under his leadership, Relaxo underwent a major brand transformation. He introduced fresh marketing campaigns, focused on modern storytelling, and made a strong push for digital expansion.
One of his biggest contributions was helping Relaxo reposition itself in the competitive Indian footwear market. He made it clear that Relaxo was not just about affordability, but also about style, comfort, and youth appeal. He played a major role in expanding the brand’s presence in the sneaker segment, especially through its sub-brand Sparx. Sparx, once considered a basic sportswear option, became a more prominent and stylish brand during his tenure.
Chhabra also brought significant improvements in Relaxo’s digital marketing strategy. He helped the brand build a strong omnichannel presence, meaning that customers could connect with the brand through both online and offline platforms. Whether it was e-commerce websites, brand stores, mobile apps, or social media platforms, Relaxo’s marketing message became more consistent and powerful across every channel.
Consumer Connection and Sales Growth: The Impact of His Leadership
One of the key strengths of Sachin Chhabra’s approach was his ability to connect with Indian consumers emotionally and culturally. He focused on telling relatable brand stories, using marketing not just to sell products, but to build relationships. His campaigns often reflected values like family bonding, personal style, comfort, and trust—themes that resonated well with Relaxo’s wide customer base.
Because of this, the brand experienced noticeable growth in both customer engagement and product sales. Footwear categories like casual sneakers and youth-oriented designs saw increased demand, especially in tier-2 and tier-3 cities. The company also became more visible and active on social media platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube—another area where Chhabra’s digital-first mindset played a big role.
The Official Exit: A Mutual Decision with Future Plans in the Pipeline
After two eventful years, Sachin Chhabra has officially stepped down as CMO. Industry insiders reveal that the decision was mutual and well-planned. Chhabra reportedly wanted to explore new opportunities and is currently in discussions with multiple organizations that have offered him senior leadership roles. In a brief statement, he expressed gratitude for the opportunity to contribute to a brand like Relaxo and hinted that he would likely announce his next move within two to three months.
His statement reflected pride and appreciation for the journey:
“It has been an enriching journey contributing to a brand with such strong consumer resonance. I’m proud of the milestones we achieved and deeply value the partnerships and momentum we built.”
Even though he hasn’t revealed where he’s heading next, expectations are high. Given his reputation and successful track record, it’s safe to assume that his next role will also be in a high-impact, high-visibility marketing position.
The Road Ahead for Relaxo Footwear: Filling Big Shoes
Sachin Chhabra’s departure does leave a gap in leadership at Relaxo’s marketing team. However, the brand is known for its robust systems and well-defined marketing framework, much of which was put in place during Chhabra’s tenure. This should help the brand maintain continuity as it searches for a new CMO.
Although no official statement has yet come from Relaxo’s top management, it is expected that the board will soon initiate the process of hiring a new marketing leader. The person stepping into Chhabra’s shoes will inherit a strong brand foundation, but will also face the challenge of taking Relaxo’s marketing to even greater heights in an increasingly competitive market.
Industry Reaction: A Mix of Surprise and Respect
In the broader marketing and advertising industry, the news of Sachin Chhabra’s resignation was met with a mix of surprise and admiration. Colleagues and peers have acknowledged his contributions and praised his ability to balance strategic planning with creative execution. His departure is being viewed as a natural step in his professional growth, and many are eagerly watching to see what organization he joins next.
What Can We Expect Next from Sachin Chhabra?
Looking at his career graph, it is clear that Sachin Chhabra thrives on challenges and innovation. Whether it’s building brands from scratch, repositioning established companies, or leading digital transformation, he has consistently delivered results. His next role could be at a consumer-focused startup, a global FMCG brand, or even in a tech-driven enterprise—areas where his skillset would be a perfect fit.
Chhabra has already demonstrated that he is capable of leading teams, shaping brand narratives, and driving growth. As Indian brands continue to focus on digital-first marketing and deeper consumer engagement, leaders like him will be in high demand. Whatever he chooses next, his journey will surely continue to inspire young marketers across the country.
The exit of Sachin Chhabra as CMO of Relaxo Footwear is more than just a professional change; it is the closing of a powerful chapter in Indian brand marketing. His contributions have not only elevated the Relaxo brand but also set an example of how marketing should be done in today’s fast-changing world. As he moves on to new challenges and as Relaxo prepares for the next phase of its journey, both parties are set to continue making headlines. This moment is a reminder that in the world of business, evolution is constant—and only those who embrace change, like Sachin Chhabra, remain at the top.
