: The vastly diversified Kumar Mangalam Birla-led Aditya Birla Group has initiated changes at the group level, including in its employee policies, as it considers a new dual strategy for its traditional and new businesses. The group, with interests ranging from cement to fashion, is currently in discussions with consultants and advisers to devise a “bi-focal" strategy, according to industry executives familiar with the conglomerate’s plans. Under this dual strategy, older businesses such as cement and textiles will be subject to one set of policies, and newer ventures may operate under a different set of guidelines.
The business house founded in 1857 has over the years ventured into segments such as paints, jewellery, and fashion that require a different approach from its legacy businesses. This may also call for changes in employee policies so that the group can attract talent more suitable for specific customer segments, said industry executives aware of the developments. “The group is evaluating if a ‘bi-focal strategy’ can be put into place where older businesses like cement, textiles, telecom, etc.
, need a certain kind of outlook, while the newer businesses like paints, jewellery, renewable, digital platforms" will need a different approach, said a senior industry executive, declining to be identified, as did the others. The group, according to these industry executives, has started implementing initial changes under Ashok Ramchandran, who took charge as group .
