Mumbai, Maharashtra, India, July 2026 — Colgate-Palmolive has elevated Mafla Mudgal to the position of Senior Director – India Modern Trade, recognizing his outstanding leadership and extensive contributions across commercial strategy, retail marketing, sales transformation, and customer development. In his expanded role, he will lead the company’s modern trade business in India, driving growth, strategic customer partnerships, and commercial excellence across one of its most important sales channels.
Mafla has been part of Colgate-Palmolive for more than 12 years, building an impressive leadership journey across sales, marketing, retail strategy, and international business. Prior to his elevation, he served as Channel Director – UK, where he led the company’s commercial strategy and customer development initiatives in one of its key European markets. Earlier, he also held the position of Country Manager – Ireland, successfully overseeing business operations and market growth while strengthening Colgate-Palmolive’s presence in the region.
Before taking on international leadership assignments, Mafla held several key commercial and marketing roles in India, including Director – Retail Marketing, Head – Retail Marketing, Marketing Manager – Toothpaste, Senior Brand Manager – Toothbrushes & Mouthwash, Customer Marketing Manager, and Manager – Shopper Development. Throughout these roles, he led market strategy, category development, P&L management, digital transformation initiatives, shopper engagement, brand growth, customer development, and data-driven commercial capabilities that significantly strengthened the company’s retail performance across India.
Earlier in his career, Mafla worked with Mondelēz International, where he served as Area Sales Manager, leading the company’s North East India business and managing sales growth, market execution, product launches, customer relationships, and cross-functional teams.He also completed a Summer Internship with Mondelēz, gaining early exposure to brand management and new product development, laying the foundation for a distinguished career in FMCG sales and marketing.
With over 14 years of experience spanning sales leadership, brand management, retail marketing, commercial strategy, customer development, and international business management, Mafla has consistently delivered business growth through innovation, customer-centric execution, and high-performing teams. His elevation reflects Colgate-Palmolive’s commitment to nurturing internal talent and strengthening its leadership as it continues to drive growth across India’s dynamic consumer goods market.
About Colgate-Palmolive
Colgate-Palmolive is a global leader in consumer products, committed to creating a healthier future for people, their pets, and the planet. For more than 200 years, the company has developed, manufactured, and marketed trusted brands across oral care, personal care, home care, and pet nutrition, including Colgate, Palmolive, elmex, Tom’s of Maine, hello, Softsoap, Irish Spring, Ajax, Fabuloso, and Hill’s Science Diet and Hill’s Prescription Diet.
The company is widely recognized for its commitment to sustainability, innovation, and community wellbeing. Through initiatives such as the Colgate Bright Smiles, Bright Futures program, Colgate-Palmolive has helped improve oral health education for approximately 1.8 billion children and their families worldwide while continuing to advance environmental stewardship through recyclable packaging, water conservation, and responsible manufacturing practices.
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