Premium French menswear brand Celio has unveiled a major leadership transition for its India operations following the departure of Satyen Momaya, who served as CEO for eight transformative years.
Strong Legacy and Future Vision
Under Satyen’s leadership, Celio India experienced significant growth—tripling revenue, expanding its omnichannel retail presence, and evolving into a digitally-forward, profitable brand. His departure marks the beginning of a new phase for Celio India, with a sharpened focus on innovation, operational excellence, and local relevance.
Key Appointments: François Gomez and Nidhi Raj
Stepping in to lead this new chapter are François Gomez as Chief Operating Officer (COO) and Nidhi Raj as Chief Brand Officer.
A seasoned leader within Celio’s global structure, François Gomez previously held the role of International Zonal Director overseeing Asia, the Middle East, South America, and French Overseas Territories. In his new role as COO based in India, Gomez will be responsible for Celio’s strategic alignment, business operations, and overall performance in the region.
“Returning to India is both a meaningful step and a natural progression in my journey. Having worked across international markets and alongside diverse partners, I’ve learned the value of navigating complexity with agility and respect. Today, I have the privilege of building on the strong foundation laid by Satyen M., who not only expanded the brand but also nurtured resilient and committed teams. My role now is to bring a fresh perspective and focused support, ensuring that in this matrix structure, every function is better aligned and empowered. Ultimately, it’s about bringing people, product, and purpose together in a way that drives performance, deepens local impact, and fuels Celio’s long-term success in India.” – François Gomez, COO, Celio India
Joining him is Nidhi Raj, an accomplished fashion and retail leader with over 18 years of experience in product development, merchandising, and brand strategy. As Chief Brand Officer, she will oversee product, design, marketing, and creative strategy, aiming to drive consumer relevance and brand appeal among India’s style-conscious male shoppers.
Continued Operational Excellence
Manoj Bathija, Head of Sales & Operations at Celio India, remains integral to the leadership team, ensuring retail execution excellence and maintaining the brand’s strong omnichannel presence across the country.
Strategic Focus on Growth in India
Celio’s France headquarters expressed strong confidence in the new India leadership, emphasizing their commitment to the market:
“We are confident that the new leadership team in place will continue driving the brand’s growth in this strategic market by reinforcing its key strengths that have made Celio successful and a leader in France. Celio Group remains strongly committed to supporting the ongoing development of Celio India, relying on a solid local team and an agile operating model focused on delivering value to our customers.”
Looking Ahead
With this leadership overhaul, Celio aims to further strengthen its market share in India, deepen consumer engagement, and enhance its fashion-forward brand identity. As India continues to be a high-growth market for premium menswear, Celio’s evolved leadership structure positions it well to navigate evolving consumer trends and capture new opportunities.
