When we talk about business leaders who have transformed the Indian corporate landscape with foresight, resilience, and innovation, the name Kuldip Singh Dhingra stands out. As Chairman Emeritus of Berger Paints India Limited, Mr. Dhingra’s leadership story is one of entrepreneurial courage, strategic brilliance, and a legacy rooted in family tradition.
Early Roots in the Paint Industry The Dhingra family’s connection with paints traces back to 1898 in Amritsar, where they started a small paint business. Over generations, the family nurtured a deep understanding of the coatings industry, blending craftsmanship with business acumen. Growing up in this environment, Kuldip Singh Dhingra developed a keen sense of market dynamics and product innovation, which later shaped his leadership philosophy.
A graduate in Science from Hindu College, Delhi University, Mr. Dhingra entered the family business early. By the late 1980s, he and his brother Gurbachan Singh Dhingra had already established themselves as respected entrepreneurs. But the boldest chapter of his journey began in the 1990s.
The Acquisition That Changed the Game In 1991, the Dhingra brothers made a defining move: they acquired Berger Paints India from Vijay Mallya’s UB Group. At the time, Berger was struggling with financial challenges and was considered a fading brand in a market dominated by Asian Paints. Industry insiders questioned the wisdom of the move. But Kuldip Singh Dhingra saw an opportunity where others saw risk.
Under his leadership, Berger Paints underwent a complete transformation. From modernizing manufacturing plants to revamping distribution networks and introducing new product lines, he implemented a sharp turnaround strategy. The acquisition was not just about buying a company—it was about rebuilding a legacy brand into a market leader.
Building a Global Footprint Mr. Dhingra’s vision was never limited to India alone. He spearheaded Berger Paints’ expansion into international markets, including Nepal, Poland, Bangladesh, and Russia. By strengthening global partnerships and investing in technology, Berger became a multinational player with a robust presence in both decorative and industrial paints.
The company also invested heavily in R&D, focusing on high-performance coatings, eco-friendly paints, and customer-centric innovation. This forward-looking approach positioned Berger as not only a competitor in the Indian market but also as a brand recognized globally for quality and trust.
From Struggles to Market Leadership When the Dhingras took over Berger Paints in 1991, it was a company with limited market share and profitability. Today, under the legacy of Kuldip Singh Dhingra’s leadership, Berger has grown into India’s second-largest paint company with a turnover of over ₹10,600 crore (FY 2023) and a market capitalization exceeding ₹65,000 crore.
This exponential growth reflects a blend of sharp financial discipline, aggressive expansion strategies, and deep consumer insights. By focusing on both urban and rural markets, Berger carved out a niche as a brand that balanced affordability with premium quality.
Leadership Philosophy Kuldip Singh Dhingra’s management style has always been rooted in simplicity, discipline, and long-term vision. He believes that a company is only as strong as its people, and therefore focused on building strong teams, empowering professionals, and creating a culture of accountability.
Another hallmark of his leadership has been family continuity in business. With his daughter, Rishma Kaur, now serving as Chairman, and his nephew, Kanwardip Singh Dhingra, as Vice Chairman, Berger Paints continues to remain under strong leadership while embracing modern corporate governance.
Recognition and Awards Mr. Dhingra’s contributions have earned him recognition not only in the paint industry but also in India’s entrepreneurial landscape. Along with his brother Gurbachan Singh Dhingra, he was honored at the EY Entrepreneur of the Year Awards 2019, celebrating their role in transforming Berger Paints into a global enterprise.
His journey has also been captured in the business biography “Unstoppable: Kuldip Singh Dhingra and the Rise of Berger Paints”, which narrates how resilience, foresight, and bold decision-making built an empire from a struggling brand.
A Legacy of Vision and Responsibility Beyond business growth, Kuldip Singh Dhingra has also emphasized corporate social responsibility and sustainability. Berger Paints has taken initiatives in green manufacturing, reducing carbon footprints, and introducing eco-friendly paints to cater to an environmentally conscious generation.
His belief is that true leadership is about leaving behind a stronger, more responsible company for future generations. This guiding principle has made Berger not just a financial success, but also a brand trusted for values and responsibility.
Continuing the Journey Even as he now serves as Chairman Emeritus, Kuldip Singh Dhingra’s presence continues to inspire Berger Paints’ strategies and cultural ethos. With a strong leadership team in place, the company is expanding into new product segments, digital marketing innovations, and next-gen manufacturing facilities.
The journey of Berger Paints under his stewardship is a shining example of how a visionary leader can revive a struggling company and turn it into an industry giant. From a ₹200 crore revenue in the early 1990s to crossing ₹10,000 crore today, Berger’s success story is inextricably tied to his determination and foresight.
Kuldip Singh Dhingra’s story is more than just corporate success—it is a testament to entrepreneurial courage, family legacy, and transformative leadership. In an era where businesses often struggle to balance growth with sustainability, his journey reflects how long-term vision and ethical values can create enduring impact.
From reviving Berger Paints to shaping it into a global brand, Mr. Dhingra has carved a permanent place in India’s business history. His leadership legacy continues to guide the company, ensuring that Berger Paints remains not just a market leader but also a symbol of trust, innovation, and resilience.
