Catalyst Brands Business Services has appointed Nihar Nidhi as Managing Director of its Bengaluru-based global capability centre. The appointment strengthens leadership for the centre supporting six iconic American retail brands under the Catalyst Brands portfolio.
Nihar brings more than 30 years of cross-industry experience spanning hospitality, telecommunications and financial services. In his new role, he will shape enterprise and functional strategies whilst strengthening operational capabilities at the centre, which supports JCPenney, Aéropostale, Brooks Brothers, Eddie Bauer, Lucky Brand and Nautica.
The executive spent over two decades at JPMorgan Chase, where he held several senior positions including Managing Director for Consumer and Community Banking Operations. Most notably, he served as CEO of JPMorgan Chase’s Philippines Global Capability Centre, leading a workforce of 16,000 employees across strategy, governance, business operations and culture development.
During his tenure at JPMorgan, Nihar led the establishment and expansion of the bank’s Data & Analytics team in India, a milestone achievement that strengthened the organisation’s capabilities in advanced analytics, machine learning and data-driven customer insights. He also built a Product Management organisation of over 200 professionals, enabling the development of scalable digital solutions and customer-centric platforms.
His leadership extended to cloud modernisation, AI and machine learning initiatives, and the transformation of complex operational ecosystems. Nihar’s expertise encompasses driving large-scale transformation projects, championing service excellence and building high-performing, inclusive teams rooted in innovation.
A graduate in Hospitality Management, Nihar’s career also includes leadership roles at Sterling Holiday Resorts, Reliance Telecommunications, FIS and Tech Mahindra. He is recognised for his ability to drive transformation through empathy and clarity, and is a dedicated advocate for community engagement and talent development.
Catalyst Brands Business Services operates from Manyata Tech Park in Bengaluru, employing over 800 associates across Information Technology, Digital and eCommerce, Supply Chain, Finance, Merchandising, Marketing and Data Analytics. The centre has nearly a decade of operational excellence, having been instrumental in building global technology and enterprise systems for JCPenney before the recent merger.
The centre will play a central role in supporting Catalyst Brands’ portfolio as the company drives efficiency, innovation and growth for over 60 million customers worldwide. The appointment comes as India’s global capability centre sector experiences robust expansion, with the country hosting over 1,700 such centres employing 1.9 million professionals and generating approximately $65 billion annually.
Catalyst Brands was formed in January 2025 following the merger of JCPenney and SPARC Group. The retail powerhouse operates 1,800 stores across the United States and Canada, with combined revenue exceeding $9 billion. The company’s shareholders include Simon Property Group, Brookfield Corporation, Authentic Brands Group and Shein.
Kevin Harper, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer at Catalyst Brands, said the appointment reflects the company’s commitment to scaling operations and building a world-class capability centre in India. Nihar’s proven leadership and passion for people and culture will be crucial as the company enhances its global ecosystem, Harper noted.
Nihar said he is energised by the opportunity to lead the next phase of growth, nurture talented teams and foster a culture of innovation and collaboration. He looks forward to partnering closely with teams in India and the United States to realise the company’s shared vision.
The Bengaluru centre will continue to expand its capabilities to become a high-impact, cross-functional hub supporting the entire Catalyst Brands portfolio. India has emerged as a strategic location for global capability centres, with Bengaluru remaining one of the most popular destinations due to its robust infrastructure, access to talent and supportive ecosystem.
