Guardian of pharma retail

From the corporate world to being an entrepreneur , the journey for Ashutosh Garg, Chairman and Managing Director, Guardian Lifecare, has been a wonderful one. He shares his experiences in a tête-à-tête with the Retailer

Retailer: What motivated you to enter into the pharma retail industry?

AG: After leaving the corporate sector and turning into an entrepreneur, I looked at various options in retail. The pharma industry presented an attractive opportunity given its size and scale. I was interested in the healthcare space and, therefore, took a decision to launch Guardian Pharmacy as a chain of health and wellness stores, where people could buy medicines they could trust.

Retailer: How have you contributed to the retail industry?

AG: Guardian has grown rapidly over the past four years. We have attempted to make a paradigm change in the way medicines are sold in our country. We have built contemporary stores with large availability of stocks. We have launched attractive schemes to benefit customers. Finally, we have given growth opportunities to a large number of young men and women in our sector.

Retailer: What, in particular, do you appreciate about the profession? 

AG: Retail provides us with the opportunity to serve the customer directly and see actualisation of our ideas at the store level.

Retailer: As the founder chairman of Guardian Lifecare, what are your roles and responsibilities?

AG: As the founder, I have built the company from the scratch. My role has been changing over the past four years. While I am currently working as the CEO of the company, but I expect to see this role transforming to the next level of  mentoring over the next few years.

Retailer: What changes have you observed in the Indian retail industry?

AG: The Indian customer is very discerning and is now beginning to seek much greater accountability from the organised retail stores. Increased competition is making retailers more service-oriented. In addition, growth is now happening in tier-II and tier-III cities as well.

Retailer: What is your advice to young aspirants who want to enter the retail industry?

AG: Excel at whatever you choose to do and do not shy away from hard work. Leave your ego and your watch at home every morning when you leave for your retail store.

Retailer: Where would you like to see yourself five years from now?

AG: Five years from now, I would expect to see Guardian as a national chain with over 2,500 stores. Personally, I would like to work closely with the empowered top management teams of the company and guide them in strategy and direction.

Retailer: Tell us about your professional background?

Ashutosh Garg (AG): I am an MBA from the Jamnalal Bajaj Institute of Management. I passed out in 1979. I have spent 25 years of my life in the corporate sector, working for ITC Ltd, Lockheed Martin and Hughes. I am a member of the Young Presidents’ Organisation and also sit on the boards of a number of other organisations.

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