Dubai, UAE:
V. Nandakumar, Director – Global Marketing & Communications at LuLu Group International, has been honoured with the Retail Professional of the Year award at the Retail Congress MENA 2025, held in Dubai. The prestigious recognition was presented by the Middle East Council of Shopping Centers & Retailers (MECSR) as part of its Annual Top Retail Industry Awards.
The award recognises Nandakumar’s long-standing contribution to the Middle East retail sector and his pivotal role in shaping contemporary retail marketing, communications, and brand leadership across the region. With over 25 years at LuLu Group International, he has been closely associated with the organisation’s growth into one of the Middle East’s most trusted and diversified retail groups.
The MECSR Retail Congress is a flagship industry platform that brings together senior retail executives, mall owners, developers, and solution providers to discuss emerging trends, sector transformation, and sustainable growth. The annual awards celebrate excellence, leadership, and innovation across the region’s retail ecosystem.
Reacting to the honour, Nandakumar said the recognition was particularly meaningful as it came from industry peers and stakeholders. He noted that the award reflects the collective efforts of teams he has worked with over the years and dedicated it to the wider LuLu Group family for its commitment to purpose-led growth and customer trust.
In his current role, Nandakumar oversees global marketing and communications across LuLu Group’s portfolio, which spans hypermarkets, shopping malls, hospitality, and allied businesses worldwide. He has played a key role in strengthening brand equity, leading large-scale campaigns, and advancing omnichannel customer engagement strategies.
Widely regarded as one of the region’s leading marketing professionals, Nandakumar has been featured among the Top Marketing Leaders in the Middle East by Forbes Middle East and Khaleej Times, and is a regular speaker at major industry conferences and leadership forums.
The Retail Congress MENA 2025 also recognised organisations and leaders across multiple categories, including Retailer of the Year, Shopping Centre of the Year, Sustainability Initiative of the Year, Retail Innovation, and Customer Experience Excellence, highlighting the depth and diversity of the region’s retail landscape.
