Gini & Jony has been a familiar name in India’s children’s fashion industry for over four decades. Founded in 1980, the brand built its reputation on stylish, comfortable clothing designed specifically for kids. Today, the company is entering a new phase of growth under the leadership of its CEO, Harsh Agarwal. After the brand’s acquisition by Suditi Industries, Agarwal has been tasked with modernising the business and expanding its reach across India. His leadership marks a new chapter for one of the country’s most recognisable kidswear brands.
Author : Aashiya Jain | Founder Stories
The Journey of Gini & Jony
Gini & Jony was founded in 1980 in Mumbai by entrepreneurs Prakash Lakhani, Jay Lakhani, and Anil Lakhani. What started as a small garment venture gradually evolved into one of India’s most trusted children’s clothing brands. Over the years, the company became known for producing trendy, durable, and comfortable apparel for kids, catering to children from infancy up to early teenage years.
From its humble beginnings with just a few stitching machines, the brand expanded rapidly through retail outlets and partnerships with major multi-brand stores. Today, its products are available through exclusive brand outlets, franchise stores, and large retail chains such as Shoppers Stop, Pantaloons, and Lifestyle.
The brand has built a strong emotional connection with Indian families, positioning itself as a label that combines fashion, comfort, and playful design for children.
A New Chapter After Acquisition
One of the major turning points was achieved in 2024 when the textile and garment company Suditi Industries acquired the kidswear brand Gini & Jony as part of the company’s strategy to solidify its footprint in the ever-expanding kidswear segment.
This acquisition has provided the company with a fresh injection of funds, operational skills, and a roadmap to transform the business into a contemporary omnichannel retailer.
After the acquisition, the company has communicated a change in the leadership hierarchy, where the future of the company rests in the hands of a new CEO.
Meet the CEO: Harsh Agarwal
In April 2025, Harsh Agarwal was appointed as the new Chief Executive Officer of Gini & Jony. Agarwal took over the role from the founder of the brand, Prakash Lakhani, who stepped down from the role after several years of service.
Harsh Agarwal is recognized for his experience in retail strategy, brand transformation, and digital commerce. Prior to his appointment, Agarwal worked closely with Suditi Industries, playing a vital role in determining the company’s overall retail vision.
In his role, Agarwal recognized the emotional value linked to the brand, stating, “Today, we are a 45-year-old brand, with a tremendous goodwill created over the years for the Indian families.”
The philosophy of Harsh Agarwal, the new CEO, is centered around the legacy of the brand, combined with the latest retail strategies.
Vision for the Future
Under Agarwal’s leadership, the company aims to reposition Gini & Jony as a contemporary children’s fashion brand while staying true to its heritage. Key priorities include:
- Expanding the brand’s presence in tier-2 and tier-3 cities
- Strengthening digital and e-commerce platforms
- Launching fresh collections aligned with global fashion trends
- Enhancing customer engagement through omnichannel retail strategies
Industry experts believe the kidswear segment in India is growing rapidly due to rising incomes, urbanisation, and increased spending on children’s fashion. This creates significant opportunities for established brands like Gini & Jony.
Agarwal has also emphasised innovation in product design and retail experience to keep the brand relevant for the next generation of consumers.
The Legacy of the Founder
While the leadership has changed, the influence of founder Prakash Lakhani continues to shape the company. After building the brand for more than four decades, he now serves as a mentor to the management team.
His vision of creating fashionable yet practical clothing for children helped establish Gini & Jony as a pioneer in India’s kidswear industry.
Looking Ahead
Gini & Jony has been a story of evolution from its small beginnings as a clothing brand in Mumbai to its current status as a renowned kids’ fashion brand in the country. With its legacy and new leadership under the stewardship of Harsh Agarwal, the brand is gearing up for the next chapter in its life story.
As the kids’ wear market in the country continues to grow in size, the brand’s legacy and leadership may help the brand become the kids’ and parents’ first choice for many more years to come.
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