An interview with Mehul Agarwal, Director and CEO of Dorby Panels, India’s leading surface decor brand
In an exclusive conversation with Mehul Agarwal, Director and CEO of Dorby Panels, we dive into the brand’s journey to becoming India’s leading surface decor innovator.
From its humble beginnings to industry dominance, Mehul shares his insights on design, business strategy, and the driving forces behind Dorby Panels’ success in transforming Indian interiors.
Can you share your journey that led you to become the CEO of Dorby? What inspired you to enter the surface decor industry?
My journey into the surface decor industry started with a desire to innovate and create a lasting impact in interior design.
After realizing the potential to bring something new to the market, In 2017 I co-founded Dorby with my father, Rajiv Agarwal, aiming to serve the modern Indian consumer whose tastes were increasingly influenced by international design trends.
What inspired me was the opportunity to combine aesthetic design with functionality, providing customers with products that enhance their spaces and make a statement.
How do you differentiate Dorby from other surface decor brands in a competitive market?
Mehul Agarwal: What sets Dorby apart is our commitment to quality and cutting-edge design. Our laminates don’t just offer aesthetic appeal—they also provide superior functionality, such as anti-bacterial, anti-fingerprint, and scratch resistance.
We focus heavily on design innovation, ensuring that our products align with current trends while also meeting the needs of our customers.
By staying ahead of the curve in terms of design and product features, Dorby maintains a strong presence in the competitive surface decor market.
Can you discuss the process of developing new products at Dorby? What factors do you consider most important?
Mehul Agarwal: At Dorby, our product development is deeply rooted in analyzing market trends, including the unique preferences of micro-markets in tier-II and III cities.
Recognizing India’s vast diversity, we tailor our offerings extensively to meet these varied tastes. As a rule of thumb, every 10 km reveals a new ‘India,’ where preferences shift significantly.
In terms of research, we begin by conducting thorough research on global design movements and gathering feedback from our clients. Innovation is the driving force behind our product creation—we aim to merge functionality with style.
Every product we develop is designed to stand out in terms of both aesthetics and performance, ensuring that it adds real value to the spaces where it’s used.
What current trends in surface decor are you most excited about, and how is Dorby adapting to these trends?
Mehul Agarwal: I’m particularly excited about trends that emphasize bold, expressive designs, along with surfaces that provide advanced features like anti-fingerprint technology and scratch resistance.
At Dorby, we’re continuously innovating to stay in line with these trends, ensuring that our products not only look exceptional but also offer practical benefits.
We’re always exploring new design possibilities that allow our clients to create unique, personalized spaces.
What advice would you give to aspiring leaders in the creative industries?
Mehul Agarwal: To aspiring leaders, my advice is to always embrace change and seek out innovation. The creative industries thrive on new ideas, and it’s important to be open to experimentation while maintaining a clear vision.
Leadership is about building strong teams and fostering a collaborative environment. Stay focused on your goals, be adaptable to evolving trends, and always look for ways to inspire both your team and your customers.
How do you envision the future of the surface decor industry, and what role do you see Dorby playing in that future?
Mehul Agarwal: The surface decor industry is constantly evolving, with trends shifting towards more personalized, high-performance designs. I see Dorby playing a pivotal role in this future by continuing to push the boundaries of design and innovation.
We’re focused on creating products that not only meet the demands of today but also anticipate the needs of tomorrow. Our goal is to lead the market by consistently offering products that inspire creativity and transform spaces.
As Dorby Panels continues to redefine surface decor in India, Mehul Agarwal’s leadership and vision remain at the core of its success.
With a focus on innovation and quality, the brand is poised to shape the future of interior design, setting new standards for both aesthetics and functionality.
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