Kuruvilla Kurian: Leveraging Years Of Experience To Grow The Interior Designing Market In Size And Capabilities
Kuruvilla Kurian
Executive Director
The construction and interiors industry in India is no exception to this. With an estimated size of $610 Billion (50 lakh crores), the industry is ripe for consolidation and becoming organised through the entry of senior executives and professionals from various disciplines. Apart from the entry of multinational companies, many spirited Indian companies are also leading the charge on a complete transformation of this business. Customers can soon expect high quality products and service levels on par with expectations set by new industries like telecom.
One such leader who is an inspiration to upcoming entrepreneurs and business professionals is Kuruvilla Kurian, the Executive Director of Kbros Aristo. CEO Insights recently got the opportunity to interact with Kuruvilla about his career journey so far, his current role in Kbros Aristo and various other aspects. Below are the excerpts of the exclusive interaction:
Tell us about your educational & professional background.
I have completed my B.Tech in Mechanical Engineering from the College of Engineering, Trivandrum, and MBA in Finance & Marketing from XLRI Jamshedpur. I started my
career as a shopfloor engineer with SAIL in 1991, and have worked with a broad spectrum of companies that include Marico, Microland, Talisma, Adea Solutions and the Information Services Group(ISG). Prior to joining Kbros Aristo I independently consulted with companies in the field of sustain ability and building efficiency.
I joined Kbros Aristo in 2014 to start the cabinetry vertical and I specialise in product management, sales, IT and systems.
Having such vast business experience, what are the qualities that you imbibe as a leader?
Although I have worked with many multi national corporations, I have always cherished the time spent with startups. It’s the continuous touch at all levels of the organisation, with customers and across different regions that give key insights into growing the business both in size and capabity.
As a leader, I persist towards making my vision come true with continuous learning and course corrections along the way. Business uncertainty needs to be handled with irrational optimism and consistently pushing ahead even when the outcome is unclear. I also recognize what my strengths are and work accordingly with a team of smart people towards building a comprehensive set of capabilities.
Most importantly, I try to build a strong personal foundation on selfcare, family support and faith in God.
Tell us more about Kbros Aristo and its flagship offering.
Kbros Aristo is the 12-year partnership between Kelachandra Veneer, a well-known name in the Indian woodworking industry for
I joined Kbros Aristo in 2014 to start the cabinetry vertical and I specialise in product management, sales, IT and systems.
Having such vast business experience, what are the qualities that you imbibe as a leader?
Although I have worked with many multi national corporations, I have always cherished the time spent with startups. It’s the continuous touch at all levels of the organisation, with customers and across different regions that give key insights into growing the business both in size and capabity.
It’s the continuous touch at all levels of the organisation, with customers and across different regions that give key insights into growing the business both in size and capability
As a leader, I persist towards making my vision come true with continuous learning and course corrections along the way. Business uncertainty needs to be handled with irrational optimism and consistently pushing ahead even when the outcome is unclear. I also recognize what my strengths are and work accordingly with a team of smart people towards building a comprehensive set of capabilities.
Most importantly, I try to build a strong personal foundation on selfcare, family support and faith in God.
Tell us more about Kbros Aristo and its flagship offering.
Kbros Aristo is the 12-year partnership between Kelachandra Veneer, a well-known name in the Indian woodworking industry for
over 40 years, and Aristo, based in Moscow, Russia which has 1000 stores globally including India, Russia, UAE, China, USA and New Zealand. Today, Kbros Aristo has sales, manufacturing, and warehousing facilities spanning all eight Indian metros and in many of the tier 2 cities.
How do you see the interior design market industry evolving in recent times?
The interior design market today is unorganised and comprises freelance designers,local carpenters & contractors. The awakening of the Indian market to the ease, quality and predictability of working with organised companies will exponentially grow the market for companies like Kbros Aristo.
The market is steadily evolving towards consolidation with an organised business model that will benefit all the stake holders as well as our customers. This industry change will bring about many opportunities for companies like ours.
As an industry expert having such profound experience, what would be your advice to individuals aspiring to be future leaders?
To be a successful business leader, he/she must have a systemic approach towards building capabilities within their business, and most of all, have the patience to see the results of systems building over the long term.
Kuruvilla Kurian, Executive Director, KBROS ARISTO
A B.Tech (Mechanical Engineering) and MBA (XLRI, Finance & Marketing) degree holder, Kuruvilla’s career spans over a three decade during which he has held key responsibilities across many multifaceted organizations and startups.
•Hobbies: Volunteering
•Favorite Cuisine: Indian Cuisine and ice cream
•Favorite Book:In Search of Excellence
•Favorite Travel Destination: His parents’home in Kerala
How do you see the interior design market industry evolving in recent times?
The interior design market today is unorganised and comprises freelance designers,local carpenters & contractors. The awakening of the Indian market to the ease, quality and predictability of working with organised companies will exponentially grow the market for companies like Kbros Aristo.
The market is steadily evolving towards consolidation with an organised business model that will benefit all the stake holders as well as our customers. This industry change will bring about many opportunities for companies like ours.
As an industry expert having such profound experience, what would be your advice to individuals aspiring to be future leaders?
To be a successful business leader, he/she must have a systemic approach towards building capabilities within their business, and most of all, have the patience to see the results of systems building over the long term.
Kuruvilla Kurian, Executive Director, KBROS ARISTO
A B.Tech (Mechanical Engineering) and MBA (XLRI, Finance & Marketing) degree holder, Kuruvilla’s career spans over a three decade during which he has held key responsibilities across many multifaceted organizations and startups.
•Hobbies: Volunteering
•Favorite Cuisine: Indian Cuisine and ice cream
•Favorite Book:In Search of Excellence
•Favorite Travel Destination: His parents’home in Kerala