KBS Anand, an industry veteran with over four decades of experience at Asian Paints, delivered a speech at the BMPA’s Print Summit 2025 in Mumbai. Anand emphasized the importance of three key aspects for building a successful business: talent, transparency, and understanding local needs.
Anand stressed that talent is crucial, but it’s not the only factor. The top management must give talented individuals the freedom to make decisions and implement them without fear. He shared how Asian Paints hires gold medallists from top institutions in India and empowers them to take decisions. This approach, according to Anand, is one of the secrets to Asian Paints’ success.
Transparency with customers is another vital aspect, according to Anand. He emphasized that building trust with customers is essential, and Asian Paints has achieved success through its commitment to transparency. Anand gave the example of the company’s dealers, who trust the representatives from Asian Paints and rely on them. He stressed that the more transparent a company is with its customers, the more value it will receive.
Anand also highlighted the importance of understanding local needs. He gave the example of the Indian market, where customers prefer smaller paint cans due to their unique requirements. Asian Paints adapted to this demand by selling millions of 50-ml tins of paints, which met the unique needs of Indian customers.
Anand’s experience and insights, gained over four decades at Asian Paints, provide valuable lessons for businesses looking to build success. His emphasis on talent, transparency, and understanding local needs is a winning formula for any organization. As an industry veteran, Anand’s Lifetime Achievement Award from the Indian Paints Association is a testament to his contributions to the industry.