ARKS names COO Dhruv Mathur as CEO as co-founder Abhinav Verma steps down

Ranbir Kapoor-founded premium lifestyle brand ARKS elevates COO Dhruv Mathur to CEO following co-founder Abhinav Verma's exit. The leadership shift accompanies plans to widen the product portfolio, build partnerships and scale market presence.

— Source publishedMon, 13 Jul, 2026, 14:37 IST·First seen Mon, 13 Jul, 2026, 14:38 IST·Source IMAGES Business of Fashion

What happened

ARKS, the premium lifestyle and apparel brand founded by actor Ranbir Kapoor, appointed COO Dhruv Mathur as CEO as co-founder Abhinav Verma steps down. The

Why this matters

ARKS's leadership reset and stated ambitions around partnerships and portfolio widening open a window for distribution, co-branding, or investment conversations with a premium lifestyle brand in transition.

What to watch

  • Funding round or PE/strategic investor announcement
  • Additional co-founder or early-team departures signaling deeper churn
  • New partnership or licensing deals expanding product portfolio
  • Any public messaging reaffirming premium positioning vs. mass-market pivot
  • Watch for new product line launches or category extensions within 2 quarters
  • Track senior hires (CMO, brand head) to backfill founder's creative role
  • Monitor retail footprint expansion and D2C/marketplace partnership announcements
  • Assess whether Ranbir Kapoor remains visible as brand ambassador post-Verma exit

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