
OrthoLite India Appoints Pankaj Kumar as Commercial Director to Drive Growth and Innovation
OrthoLite, the global leader in branded, high-performance comfort footwear solutions, has announced the appointment of Pankaj Kumar as the new Commercial Director for India (OIN). This strategic move is aimed at strengthening the company’s presence in India while continuing to provide its world-class comfort solutions to its global brand partners manufacturing in the region. With extensive industry experience, Kumar is well-positioned to enhance OIN’s commercial activities, elevate customer engagement, and support the company’s long-term growth objectives in one of the most vital markets for footwear production.

A Seasoned Leader with a Proven Track Record
Pankaj Kumar brings with him an impressive career spanning over 27 years, during which he has demonstrated excellence in sales and marketing, P&L management, strategic planning, business development, distribution channel management, and trade promotion. His expertise also extends to innovative business model development, making him a valuable addition to leadership team.
Kumar’s prior roles include significant contributions to some of the world’s most reputable organizations, such as Coats, 3M, and ICI. His extensive knowledge of the industry and deep understanding of global market dynamics will play a crucial role in further expanding India’s reach and impact.
“Throughout Pankaj’s career, he has delivered outstanding results with renowned organizations such as Coats, 3M, and ICI. We look forward to the invaluable contributions he will make in his new role as Commercial Director at India,” said Vikash Bajargyan, General Manager of India.
Strengthening OrthoLite India’s Manufacturing Capabilities
Kumar’s appointment comes at a pivotal moment for India, as the company recently expanded its state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Ambur, Tamil Nadu. This expansion has significantly increased production capacity, allowing the facility to manufacture up to two million pairs of insoles per month. The advanced facility is also now equipped to produce high-quality leather footbeds, reinforcing ability to deliver premium comfort solutions to its customers.
With the expansion, India has positioned itself as the largest insole manufacturer in South Asia. The upgraded facility plays a crucial role in global strategy by fostering local-for-local production, ensuring efficient service for footwear brands and Tier 1 suppliers (T1s) operating in India.
India’s Strategic Importance to OrthoLite’s Global Operations
India is a key production hub for with 66 of the company’s 500+ global brand partners manufacturing in the region. The country’s growing footwear industry, combined with commitment to innovation and sustainability, makes it an essential part of the company’s long-term vision.
Through his leadership, Kumar is expected to drive further business growth, expand brand partnerships, and enhance service delivery for customers. His role will also involve spearheading new business initiatives, fostering collaborations, and ensuring that maintains its commitment to sustainability and excellence in manufacturing practices.
OrthoLite’s Presence at the India International Leather Fair 2025
OrthoLite will be showcasing its latest innovations at the upcoming India International Leather Fair (IILF), scheduled for February 1-3, 2025. This premier industry event will provide an excellent platform for to engage with potential partners, demonstrate its cutting-edge insole technologies, and reinforce its commitment to the Indian footwear market.
About OrthoLite
OrthoLite is the world’s leading provider of open-cell foam technology, delivering superior comfort and performance solutions for over 550 footwear brands across various categories. The company is also the innovator behind Cirql™, a sustainable materials solutions provider that offers eco-friendly and circular options for footwear brands and their manufacturing partners.
With a strong commitment to sustainability, continuously seeks to reduce its environmental footprint through responsible manufacturing practices and innovative product development. The company actively supports industry initiatives and partnerships that align with its mission to enhance both performance and environmental responsibility.
With Pankaj Kumar at the helm of India’s commercial operations, the company is poised for continued growth, innovation, and success in the Indian and global markets. His leadership will be instrumental in shaping the next phase of India’s journey, ensuring that the brand remains at the forefront of comfort, performance, and sustainability in the footwear industry.