Dr. Kumar Iyer is a seasoned business leader with nearly three decades of experience in the coatings, adhesives, and specialty chemicals industry. He is currently serving as Chief Business Officer – Automotive & Specialty Coatings at JSW Dulux Limited (formerly AkzoNobel India Limited – Dulux Paint), where he leads growth across automotive, vehicle refinish, and specialty coatings segments.
Prior to this, he served as Regional Commercial Director for the Automotive & Specialty Coatings business across Southeast and South Asia, including ANZ, where he led regional strategy and business expansion. He also held the position of Senior Vice President – Industrial Business (Adhesives & Sealants) at Pidilite Industries Limited, driving growth and profitability across key industrial segments.
Dr. Kumar Iyer is responsible for driving revenue growth, strengthening market presence, and leveraging synergies between AkzoNobel’s global technology expertise and JSW Paints’ strong market capabilities. His role also focuses on advancing sustainable, innovation-led coatings solutions tailored to the evolving needs of the automotive ecosystem in India.
He has done his Doctorate in Polymer Surface Coatings from Institute of Chemical Technology (Formerly UDCT) and has worked with multinational companies like ICI Paints, DuPont Performance Coatings & Covestro Chemicals in various capacities. He has a strong technical background and a rich experience of 29 years in P&L ownership, driving sustainable and profitable growth for B2B businesses in industries and chemicals for Coatings, Adhesives and Specialities.
Dr. Kumar Iyer career is defined by a strong focus on customers and innovation. He has a proven record in leading and engaging diverse teams across Asia region to create value and deliver results. His top skills include B2B Sales and Marketing, Global Market Expansion Strategies, Product Strategy, Customer Relationship Management, Business & Channel Development.
Dr. Kumar Iyer is based out of Mumbai and is married with one daughter.
Watch his Powerful Keynote on Innovations in Sustainability in the Paints and Coatings Industry! It’s surely a Must Watch!
